Figuurstudies 1898 - 1902

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch in pencil in the Netherlands, sometime between the late 19th and early 20th century. Breitner was known for his impressionistic depictions of Amsterdam and its working class. The sketch gives us a glimpse into his artistic process, hinting at the social realities that shaped his vision. With its quick, expressive lines, the work captures figures in motion, perhaps ordinary people encountered in the streets of Amsterdam. Breitner was associated with the Amsterdam Impressionism movement. Instead of idealizing the city, the artist aimed to portray the gritty realities of urban life. Breitner was also a student at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague, this institution was focused on traditional art training. How did Breitner's academy training influence him? How did it conflict with his social realism? To fully understand Breitner's work, we can turn to sources, such as period newspapers and photographs, that reveal the changing social conditions of the Netherlands during his lifetime. Art is always made in a specific place and time.