Plukkende jonge vrouw c. 1884 - 1887

Willem Witsen made this sketch, "Plukkende jonge vrouw", with a graphite pencil. Witsen belonged to a group of Dutch artists who captured the atmosphere of daily life in the Netherlands. At first glance, this drawing appears to be a simple depiction of a young woman working in the fields. But consider the context: during Witsen’s time, rapid industrialization shifted populations from rural to urban centers. Women, often from lower social classes, were relegated to labor-intensive jobs such as agriculture. The downward gaze of this young woman suggests more than just physical work; there is an emotional weight, perhaps a sense of resignation, in her posture. Witsen, who came from a wealthy family, had the privilege to choose his subjects. His decision to focus on a woman engaged in such work opens up questions about class and gender dynamics during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This piece acts as both a document of its time and a quiet commentary on societal structures.