Studie, mogelijk een figuurstudie 1886 - 1903

This is George Hendrik Breitner's "Studie, mogelijk een figuurstudie," housed here at the Rijksmuseum. Breitner made this sketch with a pencil on paper, although the date is unknown. This kind of rapid sketch work allows us to consider the relationship between the artist and the urban environment in the Netherlands, as well as how art academies encouraged artists to observe and document modern life. Breitner lived in Amsterdam during a time of rapid urbanization and industrialization. He was known for capturing scenes of everyday life, particularly those of the working class. Breitner’s sketches provide valuable insights into the lived experiences of ordinary people during a period of significant social and economic change. These sketches can be contextualized by looking through archival photographs, newspapers, and other documentary sources to understand more. They can provide an understanding of how artists like Breitner saw their role in relation to the representation of everyday life.