Schetsboek met 29 bladen Possibly 1881 - 1883

This is a sketchbook with 29 pages by George Hendrik Breitner. Breitner, born in 1857, lived during a time of rapid social and technological change in the Netherlands, which deeply influenced his artistic perspective. Breitner was known for his involvement with the Maatschappij tot Bevordering van de Grafische Kunsten, an artistic society invested in the graphic arts. He was committed to capturing the gritty realities of urban life, particularly in Amsterdam, focusing on the working class and marginalized communities. His sketches often served as preparatory studies for larger paintings, capturing fleeting moments and everyday scenes. As we consider Breitner's sketchbook, think about how it acts as a personal, intimate record of his observations and encounters, reflecting both his artistic practice and the societal issues of his time. The sketchbook invites us to reflect on the lives and experiences of those often overlooked in mainstream narratives.