Figuren bij een kar 1887 - 1891

George Hendrik Breitner created this sketch with pencil on paper and it’s now held in the Rijksmuseum. We see a cluster of figures and a cart, subjects Breitner returned to often, recording the working life of Amsterdam. This drawing gives us a glimpse into Breitner's artistic process, typical of the late 19th century, a period marked by rapid urbanization and industrial change. Artists like Breitner were increasingly drawn to portraying everyday life, moving away from traditional academic subjects. Breitner was interested in photography and his sketches were often preparatory work. How did the rise of photography influence the institutional structures of the art world? Did it offer a challenge to the established hierarchy of genres? To fully understand this work, it would be helpful to delve into the archives of the Rijksmuseum, exploring Breitner's other sketches, photographs, and notes. By placing this sketch within its historical and institutional context, we can gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.