Studie 1887 - 1891

This is a study sketch by George Hendrik Breitner, made at an unknown date, with graphite on paper. It is currently held at the Rijksmuseum. Breitner was a Dutch painter known for his depictions of urban life in Amsterdam, and this sketch is likely a preliminary study for a larger work. Made in the late 19th or early 20th century, this simple sketch gives us an insight into his working methods and also speaks to shifts in the art world at that time. During this period, there was a growing interest in capturing everyday life and the changing urban landscape. Artists wanted to find new ways of seeing and representing the world around them. The impressionistic style that he would come to use was heavily influenced by social, economic, and political trends. We can see how the sketch is influenced by the rise of Realism and Impressionism, movements that challenged the traditional academic art establishment. To fully appreciate Breitner's work, it is helpful to delve into historical documents, letters, and critical writings from the time. The meaning of this study, like all art, is deeply rooted in its specific historical, social and institutional context.