Boerderijen in Ede c. 1893 - 1897

Willem Witsen sketched "Boerderijen in Ede" with pen and ink on paper. The Netherlands in the late 19th century was experiencing rapid urbanization, and artists like Witsen often depicted rural scenes as a way to reflect on a changing national identity and its relationship to the land. The drawing is an intimate glimpse into the rural landscape of Ede, likely capturing the everyday lives of its inhabitants. It speaks to the labor and lives of the working class who were closely tied to agricultural practices. Through his choice of subject and his artistic process, Witsen offers a narrative that touches upon themes of labor, identity, and the shifting cultural landscape of the Netherlands. The sketch captures a moment in time that resonates with a sense of place, and it subtly acknowledges the human presence in the landscape, offering a quiet commentary on societal values and the dignity of rural life.