Figuur- en portretstudies c. 1881 - 1887

George Hendrik Breitner created this etching, "Figuur- en portretstudies," in the late 19th or early 20th century. The central figure, a woman, is surrounded by other figures that seem to emerge from the shadows, creating an atmosphere of psychological depth. The motifs of the human face and figure are the focus of Breitner's explorations. The repetition of the human form, particularly the face, echoes throughout art history. Consider, for example, the classical Greek masks used in theater, which served to amplify emotion and character. In Breitner's work, the faces seem to carry a similar weight, acting as conduits for a range of psychological states. This collection of faces invokes the power of collective memory and subconscious processes, engaging us on a visceral level. This cyclical progression shows how the symbol resurfaces and evolves, taking on new meanings throughout history.