Staande vrouw, in profiel 1883 - 1885

Here we see George Hendrik Breitner's sketch of a standing woman in profile, a work of pared-down lines and ghostly impressions. Breitner, living in Amsterdam during a time of rapid social change, was interested in capturing the everyday life of the working class, and the women of this class. While this is only a sketch, there is something about the artist's depiction of the female form that speaks to the changing representation of women at the turn of the century. The sketch, so minimal in its rendering, captures a sense of the subject’s presence, perhaps even hinting at the struggles and resilience of women navigating a rapidly changing world. It is a depiction which is less about physical beauty and more about the essence of womanhood. Breitner leaves us with an intimate glimpse into a life, a moment frozen in time, inviting reflection on the identities and histories of women, then and now.