Aardappelrooister c. 1886

Willem Witsen created this sketch titled, "Aardappelrooister," which translates to "Potato Harvester," offering us a glimpse into the rural working class of the late 19th and early 20th century Netherlands. Witsen, who came from a wealthy background, was known for his involvement in social and artistic circles. Here, he captures a scene of manual labor. The woman is bent over, working the land. Her posture speaks volumes about the physical demands and social status of rural laborers. The sketch is rendered with loose lines, conveying a sense of immediacy and realism, yet it is also a romanticized portrayal of rural life, a common theme in art of the period. Consider how Witsen, as an artist from a privileged background, engaged with themes of labor and the working class. How does the sketch reflect his perspective, and what does it tell us about the representation of labor in art? It’s a quiet yet compelling image, inviting us to reflect on labor, class, and representation.