Zwarte Matroos 1882

"Zwarte Matroos" (Black Sailor) is a charcoal drawing by Dutch artist Willem Witsen, created in 1882 and currently housed in the Rijksmuseum. The artwork depicts the head and shoulders of a Black sailor, rendered in a realistic style that captures the individual's character and features. Witsen's interest in social realism is evident in his choice of subject matter, highlighting the lives of everyday people in the late 19th century. This drawing exemplifies Witsen's signature use of charcoal to create a sense of depth and texture, particularly in the sailor's clothing and skin tones.