Figuur voor een boerderij c. 1887 - 1888

Willem Witsen made this drawing, "Figure before a Farmhouse," with graphite on paper at the turn of the 20th century. Witsen came from a wealthy family and occupied a privileged position in Dutch society, allowing him the freedom to pursue art. This sketch offers a glimpse into the rural world of the Netherlands. The scene is rendered with quick, gestural lines, capturing the essence of the landscape. We are offered a view of a figure, perhaps a farmworker, in the foreground, set against the backdrop of a traditional farmhouse. It presents a portrait of rural life, which, while seemingly bucolic, often involved labor and social stratification. The rapid strokes convey a sense of immediacy, as if Witsen captured a fleeting moment. The identity of the figure remains anonymous, obscured by the sketch-like quality of the drawing. It's a quiet, personal reflection on the relationship between people and the land they inhabit.