Figuur in het interieur van een arbeiderswoning 1854 - 1914

Albert Neuhuys made this drawing of the interior of a worker's home with graphite on paper. Graphite, in pencil form, is a readily available material, easily portable and relatively inexpensive, making it a practical choice for sketching and preliminary studies. In this drawing, Neuhuys uses the inherent qualities of graphite to capture the stark reality of working-class life, through the substance's tonal range and its ability to create both delicate lines and broad, shaded areas. The texture of the paper and the way the graphite is applied – sometimes with light, tentative strokes, and other times with bold, assertive marks – add to the sense of immediacy and authenticity. The drawing is a reflection of Neuhuys's interest in social realism, as the quick marks and smudges denote how the artist swiftly captured the worker's environment, reflecting on the difficult conditions of labor and everyday existence. By focusing on the material conditions of the working class, Neuhuys challenges the traditional boundaries of fine art, engaging with broader social and political issues through his artistic practice.