Figuurstudies, mogelijk vrouwen die aan het werk zijn 1880 - 1882

George Hendrik Breitner created this sketch, possibly depicting women at work, using graphite on paper. The composition presents a study in contrasts between solid forms and open space, capturing figures rendered with swift, economical lines. This immediately conveys a sense of immediacy. Breitner's use of line—thick in areas of shadow, light where form recedes—establishes depth and volume. The lack of detail focuses attention on the subjects’ gestures and postures, reducing them to their essential actions. This aligns with the formalist idea that art should be assessed based on its visual structure. Here, the sketch engages with broader artistic concerns about the representation of labor. The sketch's structure and form invite us to consider how Breitner captures the essence of movement and activity through minimal means, suggesting a dynamic interplay between representation and abstraction. The artwork challenges conventional notions of portraiture, reflecting a modern interest in capturing fleeting moments and destabilizing fixed meanings.