Studie 1880 - 1882

This is a graphite study by George Hendrik Breitner, now located in the Rijksmuseum. Breitner was a Dutch painter and photographer known for his depictions of urban life in Amsterdam during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This sketch offers an intimate glimpse into Breitner’s process. With its quick, gestural lines, the study captures a fleeting moment. Breitner lived during a time of rapid social and technological change. His work often focused on the experiences of ordinary people, especially the working class. As a realist artist, he aimed to portray the world as he saw it, without idealization. Breitner’s involvement with the art circles of his time, as well as his position as an artist documenting modern life, influenced his perspective. He captured the energy of a changing society, inviting us to reflect on the personal and collective narratives embedded in the urban landscape.