Jonge vrouw op de Overtoom te Amsterdam c. 1895 - 1898

This is an undated pencil sketch entitled ‘Jonge vrouw op de Overtoom te Amsterdam’ by George Hendrik Breitner. Breitner was known for his interest in capturing the everyday life of Amsterdam, particularly the lives of working-class women. What can this sketch tell us about the representation of women in art? Breitner's sketches often depicted women in intimate, unposed moments, reflecting a shift towards realism. This approach challenged traditional, idealized portrayals of women, offering a more authentic glimpse into their lives. How does the sketch engage with the viewer's gaze? The woman's averted gaze suggests a sense of privacy and autonomy, resisting the objectification often present in art. “I am not a painter who sits in front of a model and says ‘do this, do that’… I do not interfere.” Breitner's work invites us to consider how art can reflect and shape societal views on gender and class, while capturing the quiet, personal moments of individuals within a bustling urban landscape.