Krom Boomssloot te Amsterdam 1875 - 1923

Willem Witsen created this aquatint titled ‘Krom Boomssloot te Amsterdam’. During the late 19th century, artists like Witsen turned away from romanticized landscapes and instead focused on urban scenes, capturing the everyday lives of city dwellers. Born into a wealthy family, Witsen had the privilege of portraying Amsterdam's changing cityscape. The dark tones might evoke a sense of melancholy, reflecting the social realities of the time, such as the stark contrast between the wealthy and the working class. His choice of subject matter is intriguing as there is a quiet intimacy in this view of a working class neighbourhood. A key member of the Dutch Impressionist movement, he found beauty in the ordinary, challenging traditional artistic norms. Through this aquatint, Witsen invites us to reflect on the historical and social dimensions of urban life, capturing a specific moment in time while reminding us of the broader narratives of identity and place.