Leunende man en een mannenhoofd 1880 - 1882

This is a pencil drawing titled 'Leunende man en een mannenhoofd', or 'Leaning Man and a Man's Head' by George Hendrik Breitner. Breitner was working in the Netherlands in the late 19th and early 20th century. Although undated, this sketch can be connected to Breitner’s wider social context as a time of rapid urbanization and industrial expansion in Amsterdam. Breitner was known for capturing the dynamism of city life, and this sketch may reflect his interest in portraying the everyday lives of ordinary people. The Rijksmuseum itself, as an institution, played a role in shaping artistic production and reception during this period, providing a platform for artists like Breitner to showcase their work and engage with a broader audience. Further investigation into Breitner's biography, as well as historical sources about Amsterdam's urban development, will help to understand this drawing and its place in the cultural landscape of its time. Ultimately, it is through this interdisciplinary approach that we can fully appreciate the meaning and significance of art within its social and institutional context.