Studie 1883 - 1885

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, entitled 'Studie', in the late 19th or early 20th century. Breitner was a prominent figure in the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, an era defined by rapid industrialization and urbanization. Breitner’s work often captured the everyday life of working-class people in Amsterdam. His art provides insight into the experiences of those frequently marginalized in mainstream artistic narratives. The intimate scale of this particular sketch invites us to consider the artist’s personal connection to his subjects. Breitner sought to depict the gritty realities of urban life, from the laborers to the prostitutes, whose lives were often overlooked or romanticized by the dominant culture. Consider how Breitner’s focus on the mundane challenges traditional notions of beauty and worthiness in art. It serves as a reminder of the diverse stories and perspectives that shape our understanding of history and society.