Heiwerker met werktuig over zijn schouder c. 1884 - 1887

This charcoal drawing, created by Willem Witsen between 1884 and 1887, depicts a worker with a tool over his shoulder. The artist, known for his realistic portrayals of everyday life, likely captured this scene from his observations of working-class individuals in the Netherlands. The rough, gestural lines of the drawing convey a sense of movement and the worker’s physicality. The figure is partially obscured, adding a sense of mystery and suggesting a more intimate, observational approach. The drawing, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, offers a glimpse into Witsen’s artistic practice and his interest in documenting the lives of ordinary people.