Heiwerker c. 1884 - 1887

"Heiwerker," a charcoal drawing by Willem Witsen, created between 1884 and 1887, depicts a worker using a tool to dig into the earth. Witsen, a Dutch artist known for his realism and depictions of working-class life, captures the figure's stooped posture and the rough texture of the ground with a sense of immediacy. The drawing is part of the Rijksmuseum collection, highlighting the importance of labor in Dutch society during the late 19th century. This sketch exemplifies Witsen's ability to convey both the physicality and the emotional weight of working-class individuals, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who toiled for a living.