Man met opgeheven bijl c. 1884 - 1887

Willem Witsen's "Man met opgeheven bijl" (c. 1884-1887), a charcoal drawing housed in the Rijksmuseum, depicts a man lying prone on the ground with an ax nearby. The drawing, likely a study for a larger work, captures the artist's interest in social realism and the portrayal of working-class individuals. Witsen's signature style is evident in the sketch's rough lines and the use of stark contrasts, emphasizing the figure's physicality and the harshness of the environment. This work is a powerful glimpse into the daily lives of ordinary people during the late 19th century, highlighting the artist's commitment to portraying their struggles and hardships.