Aardappelrooiende vrouw c. 1886

Willem Witsen made this drawing of a potato-harvesting woman with graphite on paper. It reflects the artist’s sympathy for the rural working class in the Netherlands at the turn of the twentieth century. At that time, the art world saw a growing interest in representing everyday life, especially among the peasantry, as part of a broader trend of social realism. Witsen was part of the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, which sought to capture the fleeting moments of modern life, including the labor of those often overlooked. Here, the woman's bowed posture and simple clothing speak to the hard work and humble conditions of rural life. The Rijksmuseum's collection, in which this drawing resides, plays a crucial role in shaping how we understand Dutch art history. By displaying such works, the museum elevates the depiction of the working class to a level worthy of national attention, influencing public perceptions and historical narratives. To fully appreciate Witsen's work, one might explore archives of Dutch social history, studies of the art market, or records of the exhibitions in which his work appeared. These resources help us see art not in isolation, but as deeply embedded in its social and institutional contexts.