Studie, mogelijk een figuurstudie 1887 - 1891

This is a sketch, possibly a figure study, by George Hendrik Breitner, held at the Rijksmuseum. Breitner was working in the Netherlands in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is particularly known for his images of working-class life in Amsterdam. This sketch, like many of his works, gives us a glimpse into the daily lives of ordinary people in a rapidly changing city. The sketch provides a visual shorthand for the kinds of fleeting moments that Breitner captured. His unflinching portrayal of urban life often challenged the prevailing romantic notions of art and beauty. To fully understand Breitner's artistic project, it's useful to explore archives, newspapers, and other documentary sources from the period. By examining such materials, we can gain insights into the social and political context in which Breitner was working, and the ways in which his art both reflected and challenged the norms of his time. Art is so often contingent on its context.