Studie, mogelijk van de onderkant van een rok Possibly 1881 - 1885

This is a charcoal drawing, possibly of the bottom of a skirt, by George Hendrik Breitner. Breitner lived and worked in Amsterdam during a time of rapid social and economic change. He is known for his images of the working class and the urban landscape. This sketch offers a glimpse into the everyday life of women during Breitner's time. The skirt, a symbol of femininity and social status, is rendered in a fragmented and ambiguous manner. The loose and gestural lines of the charcoal create a sense of movement, as if capturing a fleeting moment in the bustling city. The anonymity of the figure raises questions about women's roles and visibility in the public sphere. Breitner's work often challenged traditional representations of women, offering alternative narratives that reflected the realities of modern life. He sought to capture the emotional and experiential aspects of his subjects, inviting viewers to engage with the complexities of identity and society.