Studieblad met kinderen en een vrouw, op de rug gezien Possibly 1883 - 1886

George Hendrik Breitner created this sketch, "Studieblad met kinderen en een vrouw, op de rug gezien," which translates to "Study Sheet with Children and a Woman, Seen from the Back," around the turn of the 20th century. Breitner was a key figure in the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, known for his gritty and realistic depictions of urban life. This sketch offers a glimpse into Breitner's process of observing everyday scenes. The loose lines and unfinished quality convey a sense of immediacy, capturing a fleeting moment. In his time, the representation of women and children in art often idealized them, but Breitner’s sketch disrupts this tradition by portraying them from an unconventional perspective. The figures remain anonymous and devoid of sentimentality. Breitner once stated, "I see beauty in the streets," a sentiment reflected in his commitment to depicting ordinary life, inviting us to find value in the overlooked aspects of our surroundings. This work encapsulates a moment of shared existence, prompting reflections on the experiences of those often unseen or ignored.