A poignant 1943 graphite sketch by To Frank-Stoltz, documenting prisoners at work in a gravel pit during the Second World War.

This graphite sketch by the Dutch artist To Frank-Stoltz depicts a scene of forced labour, specifically prisoners working within a gravel pit. Dated 14 March 1943, the work provides a direct, observational record of the conditions experienced during the Second World War. The composition is sparse, focusing on the vast, desolate expanse of the quarry, which dwarfs the small, hunched figures of the labourers.

The artist employs a light, economical line to define the contours of the landscape and the figures. The shading is minimal, relying on the texture of the paper to suggest the rugged, uneven terrain of the excavation site. The perspective is slightly elevated, allowing the viewer to observe the isolation of the prisoners against the backdrop of the hills. The inclusion of the date and the location, 'Kiesgrube' (gravel pit), in the bottom right corner, anchors the drawing in a specific time and place.

Frank-Stoltz captures the physical toll of the labour through the posture of the figures, who are rendered with simple, gestural strokes. There is no attempt to romanticise the scene or add unnecessary detail. The work functions as a historical document, reflecting the reality of the period through the medium of a personal sketchbook entry. The muted tones of the graphite on the aged paper contribute to the sombre atmosphere of the piece. This print offers a clear view of the artist's technique, preserving the original marks and the raw quality of the sketchbook page.