Indonesische straatveger Possibly 1920 - 1924

Willem Witsen made this drawing of an Indonesian street sweeper, likely with graphite or charcoal, sometime between 1880 and 1923. The image emerges from a sea of grey, formed by tiny strokes that build up a sense of place and form. What I love about this piece is its quietness. The texture is subtle, a soft haze of marks that gently define the figure and the objects around him. Look at how the light catches the rim of his hat, or the woven texture of the basket. The marks are so delicate, so unassuming, yet they create a palpable sense of atmosphere. It’s like Witsen is inviting us to slow down, to really see the world around us. There’s a connection with Whistler in the tonal qualities and the subtle, almost melancholic mood. But Witsen brings his own sensibility to the work, a kind of quiet empathy that draws you in and makes you want to linger. It’s a reminder that art doesn’t always have to shout to be heard; sometimes, the most powerful statements are whispered.