Vrouwen met takkenbossen in een bos c. 1884 - 1887

Willem Witsen made this drawing, "Women with bundles of branches in a forest", with graphite on paper. Here, Witsen depicts women gathering firewood in a forest. In late 19th-century Netherlands, the rural poor often relied on foraging for fuel, a practice that reflects the economic hardships of the time. Witsen, who came from a wealthy family, engaged with social themes through his art. He was part of the Dutch impressionist movement, known for its focus on everyday life. This sketch provides insight into the lives of the working class, a subject often overlooked in more traditional academic art. The Rijksmuseum, as an institution, plays a crucial role in preserving and interpreting such works, offering a platform for understanding the social context of art. Understanding this work requires looking into the socio-economic conditions of the Netherlands during the late 19th century. Archival records, historical accounts, and studies of Dutch art history can provide a richer understanding of Witsen's work.