Indonesische straatveger Possibly 1920 - 1924

This charcoal drawing by Dutch artist Willem Witsen depicts a street sweeper in Indonesia, likely during the artist's travels to the region in the early 1920s. Witsen was a prominent figure in the Hague School, known for his realistic and often melancholic depictions of daily life, particularly focusing on the working class. "Indonesische straatveger" showcases this signature style, capturing the figure in a moment of quiet labor against a backdrop of woven bamboo. The artwork is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.