Gezichten Possibly 1883 - 1885

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of faces at an unknown date, using pencil on paper. Breitner was a key figure in the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, known for his raw and unidealized depictions of city life. Breitner's interest in capturing fleeting moments and everyday scenes reflects the broader social changes happening in the Netherlands during the late 19th century, where industrialization and urbanization were rapidly transforming society. Artists began turning their attention to the lives of ordinary people, and rejecting the traditional artistic focus on historical or mythological subjects. Breitner's sketch represents a conscious effort to break away from academic art traditions and engage with the realities of modern life. The sketch, now in the Rijksmuseum, offers valuable insights into the artistic process. The Rijksmuseum's collection can be used to study Breitner's work alongside that of his contemporaries, and to understand the institutional context that shaped his career. Ultimately, the meaning of this sketch lies in its connection to the dynamic social and artistic landscape of the Netherlands.