Studieblad 1884 - 1886

George Hendrik Breitner created this study sheet. Breitner was deeply invested in capturing the spirit of Amsterdam, a city undergoing rapid change at the turn of the 20th century. Here, we see the artist's attempts to capture fleeting moments and impressions. The loose, gestural lines hint at a scene observed in motion, perhaps on the bustling streets of Amsterdam. Breitner, known for his interest in the lives of ordinary people, might have been drawn to capture the rhythms of daily life. As he once stated: “I see beauty in the streets.” Although an unfinished study, the sheet provides insight into Breitner’s artistic process, as it embodies a desire to break from traditional representations, and instead capture the immediacy of modern life. As such, this work invites us to consider the ways in which artists like Breitner sought to redefine beauty and value in an era of profound social transformation.