Schetsen van een vrouw die een groot pak draagt 1867 - 1923

This is a pencil sketch by George Hendrik Breitner depicting two women, one carrying a large pack. Breitner was a Dutch artist working at a time when the Netherlands was rapidly industrializing. The sketch offers us a glimpse into the lives of working-class women, likely porters or laborers, whose physical toil was essential to the functioning of the urban economy. The sketch aesthetic invites questions about the social role of art. Is it simply a record of everyday life, or does it carry a deeper commentary on the social structures of the time? Breitner was associated with the Amsterdam Impressionism movement and known for depicting scenes of urban life, often focusing on the working class. By studying these sketches alongside other historical sources, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social conditions that shaped Breitner’s artistic production and the broader context of Dutch society. The institutional context of the Rijksmuseum itself also shapes our understanding, as it elevates this image to a place of cultural and historical significance.