Boerin met een riek op het land Possibly 1886

Willem Witsen created this sketch, “Boerin met een riek op het land,” or "Farmer with a rake on the land" on paper, during a time of significant social change in the Netherlands. Witsen lived through the rise of industrialization which led to increased urbanization and a growing disparity between the urban elite and the rural working class. This drawing captures a glimpse into the life of a female farmer, her face set with what could be interpreted as either determination or resignation as she works the land. Her traditional clothing and the presence of the rake suggest an adherence to older ways of life, even as the world around her transforms. Witsen seems to be highlighting the dignity and strength of women in rural communities, and their connection to the land. The sketch is more than just a depiction of labor; it's a reflection on the identities and histories of the rural working class, offering a poignant commentary on the changing landscape of Dutch society.