Standing Female Nude 1892

George Hendrik Breitner made this drawing of a standing female nude, now at the Rijksmuseum, with broad strokes of charcoal that capture the form's essential volumes. The use of line is remarkably economical, focusing on the figure's contour and the distribution of light and shadow. The figure’s downward gaze and the lack of background details create a sense of introspection. Breitner's approach here reflects an interest in capturing fleeting moments, an idea tied to impressionism, but the emphasis on form also shows an awareness of academic tradition. The drawing destabilizes the conventional nude, which often objectifies the female form. The model's stance and averted gaze suggest a rejection of idealized beauty, in favour of a study of the body and its expressive potential. Through the charcoal's raw texture and the unfinished quality, Breitner invites viewers to reconsider how we perceive and represent the human form.