Studie, mogelijk een architectuurstudie 1892 - 1900

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, possibly a study for architecture, in the Netherlands at an unknown date with graphite on paper. Breitner is well known for his atmospheric depictions of Amsterdam and interest in the working class. Breitner was trained at the Hague Academy where he developed his naturalistic style. But he also frequented the art circles of the Dutch capital and absorbed impressionistic tendencies and a concern for social realism. The Rijksmuseum, where this drawing is housed, had been recently built during Breitner's time and served as a temple of high culture for the Netherlands, influencing artists to varying degrees. Although the loose lines of this sketch may appear unfinished, this gives it an immediacy that speaks to the artist's interest in capturing a fleeting moment or idea, rather than creating a highly polished academic work. The social historian of art can help us understand Breitner’s artistic choices and intentions by researching the cultural and institutional context in which he was working. We can look at the archives of the Hague Academy, for instance, as well as museum records and exhibition reviews, to see how Breitner’s work was received by his contemporaries.