Zittende man c. 1882

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, “Zittende man,” meaning "Sitting Man," probably during the late 19th or early 20th century. Breitner lived in a time of rapid urbanization and industrial change, and he was known for his candid snapshots of urban life in Amsterdam. This drawing captures a sense of fleeting intimacy, focusing on a figure whose identity remains just out of reach. What can we surmise about this man? His hat and attire suggest a member of the working or middle class, caught in a moment of repose. The loose sketch work gives us just enough information to imagine his circumstances, but withholds the specifics. Breitner, though part of the art world, positioned himself as an observer of everyday life, rather than an idealizer of it. His work often reflects the social realities of his time. This sketch invites us to consider the lives of ordinary people, their stories, and their place within the larger societal landscape, offering a glimpse into a shared humanity.