Studies en annotaties 1884 - 1886

George Hendrik Breitner created this page of studies and annotations using graphite on paper. Breitner lived through a time of significant social and political upheaval in the Netherlands. He was known for capturing the dynamism of urban life in Amsterdam, and was interested in the representation of working-class individuals. These sketches offer an intimate glimpse into his artistic process. What do the annotations reveal about the artist’s intentions, or the subjects he observed? The fragmented forms and obscured figures resist easy interpretation. What narratives or identities might lie beneath the surface? Breitner’s work often focused on the lives of ordinary people, particularly women, in a rapidly changing urban environment. Consider the emotional and psychological dimensions of these fleeting impressions. This piece invites us to reflect on the complexities of human experience, and the ways in which artists engage with the world around them.