Figuurstudies 1881 - 1883

This page of figure studies was made by George Hendrik Breitner, a Dutch painter known for his depictions of urban life in Amsterdam. Breitner lived during a time of rapid social and economic change, and his art reflects the gritty realities of city life for many people. Here, we see glimpses of figures rendered in a quick, almost journalistic style. Breitner was deeply interested in capturing fleeting moments and the everyday experiences of ordinary people, many of whom were working-class women. "I see beauty in street life," Breitner once said, "and I try to capture it." In this sketch, we can imagine Breitner walking through the streets of Amsterdam, sketchbook in hand, quickly jotting down the poses and gestures of passersby. These studies offer a glimpse into the artist's process and his commitment to representing the lives of those often overlooked in more traditional art forms. They encourage us to consider the individuals who make up the fabric of urban life.