Twee aardappelrooisters c. 1886

This drawing was made by Willem Witsen with graphite on paper. Here we see two figures harvesting potatoes, seemingly by hand. The nature of graphite allows for quick, expressive marks, ideal for capturing a fleeting moment in the fields. The softness of the material creates areas of shading that suggest the rough texture of the earth and the weight of the labor. The artist has used a range of mark-making, from delicate lines to smudged areas, that describe both light and the physical exertion of the workers. The artist chose humble materials to depict a scene of agricultural work, elevating the everyday lives of laborers through art. The sketch captures a specific time and place, reflecting the social context of agricultural labor. It makes us consider the role of art in representing and valuing the work of ordinary people, thus bridging the gap between the elite art world and the realities of working-class life.