Zittende schaapherder c. 1884 - 1887

Willem Witsen likely made this study of a seated shepherd with graphite on paper sometime between 1880 and 1923. Graphite is a humble material, perfect for quick sketches and studies, and an ideal medium for capturing fleeting moments of everyday life. Here, Witsen's rapid strokes and attention to the texture of the shepherd's clothing and surroundings, convey a sense of the sitter's weariness. Note the dark smudges that give weight to his form, contrasting with the lighter, more suggestive lines that define the background. The artist has really considered the material properties of graphite, using it to evoke depth and atmosphere, reflecting both the physical and emotional weight of the subject. In doing so, Witsen elevates what might be considered a simple sketch to a poignant observation on labor and rural life. It reminds us that even the most common materials, when handled with sensitivity and skill, can speak volumes about the world around us.