Willem Witsen (13 August 1860, Amsterdam – 13 April 1923, Amsterdam) was a Dutch painter, printmaker and photographer associated with the Amsterdam Impressionism movement. Witsen’s work, influenced by James MacNeill Whistler, often portrayed calm urban landscapes as well as agricultural scenes. He also created portraits and photographs of prominent figures of the Amsterdam art world.
Witsen was born in a wealthy ruling-class family, dating back to the governing families of the 17th century, of whom Cornelis Jan Witsen and his son Nicolaes Witsen were members. He studied at academies in Amsterdam and Antwerp. He was the founder of the Nederlandse Etsclub (Dutch Etching Club). During visits to London, Witsen became acquainted with the paintings of James McNeill Whistler, whose influence can be seen in Witsen’s View of Victoria Embankment in London. Witsen worked in artist’s colonies in Laren, Rotterdam, Wijk bij Duurstede and Ede. He made his studies of the small town Dordrecht while sitting in a boat, which gave him the special lower viewpoint which is characteristic of his works in that town.
