Regen, Thames Embarkment te Londen 1870 - 1923

Willem Witsen made this drawing, Regen, Thames Embarkment te Londen, with graphite on paper. It shows a wet day on the Thames, with pedestrians holding umbrellas and the reflections of buildings and figures in the water. Witsen was Dutch and his work often focused on the urban landscapes of Amsterdam, London, and other major cities. This drawing reflects the growing industrialization and urbanization of Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period of immense social and economic change. The Thames was a crucial artery for trade and transport, and Witsen captures its bustling atmosphere, even on a rainy day. His choice of subject matter reflects the influence of the Realist and Impressionist movements, which sought to depict everyday life and the changing modern world. Art historians use documentary sources like letters, diaries, and exhibition reviews to understand the social context in which this drawing was made. By studying these kinds of sources, we can learn more about Witsen's artistic influences, his relationship to the art world, and his engagement with the social issues of his time.