Hondenstudies 1880 - 1882

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, called "Dog Studies," while working in the Netherlands. Breitner, who lived from 1857 to 1923, was a part of the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, known for its gritty depictions of urban life. These rapid sketches of dogs’ heads provide a glimpse into Breitner’s artistic process. Breitner sought to capture fleeting moments and everyday scenes. These studies are not formal portraits but rather intimate observations. He seems interested in the character of each animal, from the texture of their fur to the glint in their eyes. Breitner’s commitment to capturing the immediacy of life—rather than idealized versions of it—was radical for its time. There’s a tenderness in the way he renders these animals that invites us to consider our relationship with the non-human world. What do you think? Do these studies challenge or confirm our understanding of how we see animals and the world around us?