Hoofd, in profiel naar rechts 1881 - 1883

This is a quick sketch in graphite, made by George Hendrik Breitner, though its date is unknown, it is held at the Rijksmuseum. Breitner was a prominent figure in the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, capturing the everyday life of the city. His work engages with the rapid social and economic changes that Holland was experiencing at the time. In this sketch we can see a face but it does not show the complete portrait. It is a quick sketch, not a formal one, perhaps done in preparation for a larger work. It is more of a study of his subject’s face, a focus on the individual. Breitner was known to use photography to document his surroundings as a basis for his paintings. The artist was interested in the common man and the world around him. By studying Breitner's sketchbooks, letters, and photographs, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and institutional contexts that influenced his work. This helps us appreciate art's role as a reflection and critique of society.