Jonge vrouw met kap of muts 1881 - 1883

This is George Hendrik Breitner's charcoal sketch of a young woman with a cap, currently residing in the Rijksmuseum. Breitner, who lived from 1857 to 1923, captured Amsterdam's street life, often depicting working-class women. The sketch hints at the complexities of representing women in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While the woman's identity is obscured by her cap and downward gaze, the loose strokes of charcoal suggest a sense of her presence, avoiding idealization. Breitner’s focus on ordinary subjects challenges traditional portraiture, reflecting a broader shift towards realism in art. The sketch, though simple, invites us to consider the lives of these women, whose stories were seldom told. It's a reminder of the emotional weight carried by those often overlooked. Breitner’s art encourages us to see beyond the surface, acknowledging the dignity and resilience of individuals navigating the socio-economic realities of their time.