Huizen aan de Voorstraatshaven te Dordrecht c. 1898 - 1899

Willem Witsen made this sketch of houses on the Voorstraatshaven in Dordrecht with a graphite pencil. At first glance, this drawing seems to capture a simple architectural scene in the Netherlands. But let's consider the cultural context in which Witsen was working. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, artists in the Netherlands and across Europe were increasingly interested in capturing everyday life. Witsen, associated with the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, focused on urban and rural scenes, often emphasizing atmosphere and light. This sketch, with its focus on the facades of ordinary buildings, reflects a broader cultural shift towards valuing the mundane aspects of modern life. The Rijksmuseum's collection provides additional resources, such as letters and documents, that can help contextualize the image. By understanding the artist's influences, and the social conditions in which he worked, we can appreciate the historical significance of this seemingly simple sketch.