Man die aan het wannen is c. 1888

"Man die aan het wannen is" is a 1888 etching by Dutch artist Willem Witsen (1860-1923), currently on display at the Rijksmuseum. The piece depicts a blacksmith, obscured by shadow, working at his forge. The dim lighting and the figure's silhouette create a sense of mystery and emphasize the arduous nature of labor. Witsen's work often focused on the lives of ordinary people, capturing their struggles and dignity, particularly those in working-class jobs, using a realistic style influenced by the Dutch Impressionists. This etching, with its stark contrasts and detailed textures, reflects Witsen's characteristic approach to portraying the human condition through nuanced observation.