Studie, mogelijk van een schouw c. 1883 - 1885

This is a graphite sketch, possibly of a mantelpiece, by George Hendrik Breitner. Breitner was working in the Netherlands during a period of rapid social and economic change in the late 19th and early 20th century. Breitner's impressionistic style captured the everyday life of Amsterdam and his interest in social realism reflected a growing awareness of class divisions and the impact of industrialization. The Rijksmuseum, as a national institution, played a role in shaping Dutch cultural identity. How did the museum select and display works that reflected the nation's values and history? Archival documents, exhibition catalogs, and period reviews are useful resources for this kind of inquiry.