Twee arbeiders 1875 - 1900

Jan de Waardt created this drawing, "Two Workers," using pen in gray ink and brush in gray, it is currently held in the Rijksmuseum. The sketch shows two men walking towards the left, each carrying a tool. The somber tone creates a quiet sense of labor. De Waardt’s approach emphasizes the structure of form through line and tonal variation. The artist uses minimal hatching to suggest depth and volume. We see how the visual language of the sketch prioritizes gesture, and its economy conveys the essence of movement and character. Despite the simplicity, the drawing offers an important lens through which we see the working class at the time. Through the attention to composition and the use of monochromatic ink, De Waardt elevates the workers' figures, capturing a blend of anonymity and individuality. This artwork exemplifies the evolving relationship between art and social consciousness at the turn of the century.