Aardappeletende jongen c. 1888

"Aardappeletende jongen" (Potato-Eating Boy) is an etching by Willem Witsen, created around 1888 and currently housed in the Rijksmuseum. The artwork depicts a young boy, possibly a farm laborer, seated and consuming potatoes, highlighting the struggles of everyday life. The simplified forms and muted color palette of the etching are characteristic of Witsen’s realist style, reflecting the social themes prevalent in the Dutch art scene during the late 19th century. This piece, alongside other works by Witsen, offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary individuals and their daily struggles, often overlooked by traditional artistic representation.