Annotaties 1893

George Hendrik Breitner created "Annotations," and while the exact date of its creation is unknown, it resides at the Rijksmuseum. Breitner, living through a time of rapid urbanization and social change in the Netherlands, had a deep connection with Amsterdam and its working class. His work often captures the gritty reality of city life, and he’s quoted as saying, "I don't prettify, I paint what I see." These diary annotations offer a raw, unfiltered glimpse into his daily life. The scribbled notes and reminders, almost illegible, reflect the hectic pace of a man deeply engaged with his surroundings. As we look at this page, consider the tension between the personal and the public, the artist's private thoughts laid bare for us to see. The intimate nature of these annotations invites us to reflect on our own lives and the traces we leave behind. Breitner’s annotations encourage us to consider the everyday as a site of artistic and personal significance.