Zittende vrouwen Possibly 1883 - 1886

George Hendrik Breitner made this drawing of seated women, with pencil on paper. Breitner was a key figure in the Amsterdam Impressionism movement of the late 19th century, capturing the spirit and atmosphere of the city around him. Here, in this simple sketch, Breitner captures a slice of everyday life in the Netherlands. The scene is devoid of sentimentalism, yet is a sensitive representation of women who are not part of the wealthier classes. Breitner's involvement in artistic circles and the Pulchri Studio artists' society helped him to develop a realistic style, which he combined with a desire to represent ordinary life. The artist's estate, including his sketchbooks and photographs, is now an important historical resource, revealing a unique visual record of the social and urban environment of his time. By studying these resources, we can better understand the changing face of Dutch society during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.