Studieblad met mannen en hoge hoeden c. 1886 - 1890

This is a pencil drawing by George Hendrik Breitner, currently held at the Rijksmuseum. This study sheet offers a glimpse into the social fabric of late 19th-century Netherlands. Breitner, known for his street scenes, here sketches men in top hats. The top hat was a potent symbol of bourgeois identity and social status during this era. It signified respectability, and belonging to a particular class. The Netherlands was undergoing rapid urbanization and industrialization, leading to the rise of a wealthy middle class, keen to establish their presence in the public sphere. Breitner's choice of subject matter reflects the changing social landscape of his time. To fully appreciate this artwork, one might consider delving into the historical archives of fashion, etiquette manuals, and social commentaries. By examining these resources, we can understand how clothing served as a powerful visual language, communicating ideas about class, gender, and national identity.