Studie, mogelijk van een hoed c. 1886 - 1890

This graphite sketch, possibly of a hat, was made by George Hendrik Breitner, who died in 1923. Breitner’s impressionistic style captured the bustling atmosphere of late 19th-century Amsterdam. As a social documentarian, Breitner depicted everyday life, from street scenes to intimate portraits. Hats, like the one possibly depicted here, were more than mere accessories. They signified social status, personal taste, and adherence to prevailing fashion norms. In a rapidly changing society, such markers became increasingly important for negotiating social interactions and conveying identity. To fully understand Breitner’s work, it is helpful to look at the historical records of the fashion industry and popular culture of the Netherlands. By studying such resources, we can gain a better understanding of the social meanings embedded in these images. These records would help to clarify his artistic choices and intentions, and give insight to the meaning of art as rooted in social and institutional context.