Studie 1886 - 1923

This is a page from a sketchbook by George Hendrik Breitner, a Dutch artist working in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Breitner was known for his gritty, realist depictions of Amsterdam, a rapidly changing city undergoing industrialization and social upheaval. As photography became more accessible, artists like Breitner used it as a tool to capture fleeting moments of urban life. This sketchbook page, with its hasty notes and scribbled observations, offers a glimpse into his working process. Breitner was associated with the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, which sought to capture the atmosphere of the city rather than idealized versions of it. His work often challenged the prevailing artistic norms of the time, embracing a more democratic and accessible form of art. Historical research, including archival documents and exhibition catalogues, can offer valuable insights into Breitner's artistic practice and the social context in which he worked. The art historian's role is to piece together the complex web of influences that shaped his vision.