Houtsprokkelaarster 1870 - 1923

"Houtsprokkelaarster" (Wood Gatherer) is a watercolor painting by Dutch artist Willem Witsen, created between 1870 and 1923, and currently housed in the Rijksmuseum. The painting depicts a woman, clad in traditional Dutch clothing, gathering firewood in a dense forest. Witsen was known for his realist style and focus on capturing the everyday lives of ordinary people, particularly those from the working class. This painting exemplifies his interest in depicting rural life and the hardships faced by those who lived in poverty. The muted colors and somber mood of the painting contribute to a sense of realism and evoke a feeling of empathy for the subject.