Lezende vrouw 1880 - 1882

George Hendrik Breitner created this sketch of a 'Lezende vrouw', or 'Reading Woman' in English. Breitner worked in Amsterdam during a time of rapid social change and increasing urbanisation. In this artwork, there is an intimate moment of a woman immersed in the act of reading. The choice of subject is interesting because, throughout the 19th century, women's access to education and literature was often limited by societal expectations. Breitner seems to be suggesting an alternative narrative, where women engage in intellectual pursuits and are not confined to domestic roles. The sketch conveys a sense of quiet contemplation. The woman's posture suggests a deep engagement with the text. The loose sketch style adds to the sense of immediacy, making it feel like a fleeting moment captured in time. I wonder what she is reading and what feelings it evokes in her. Breitner’s work then becomes a subtle commentary on gender and the evolving roles of women in society.