Figuurstudies Possibly 1881 - 1885

George Hendrik Breitner created this study, now held at the Rijksmuseum, using quick, expressive lines to capture figures in motion. Breitner lived during a time of rapid social change in the Netherlands, with growing industrialization and urbanization impacting daily life. Breitner, often associated with the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, focused on depicting the everyday life of the working class. His work can be seen as a commentary on social issues. He was known for capturing the energy of modern life and, through his use of stark realism, attempted to depict the lives of ordinary people with empathy. These 'Figuurstudies' invite us to consider the lives of the anonymous figures he sketched. There's a raw, unfiltered quality to the work, with the artist's quick strokes almost conveying movement, emotion, and perhaps even a sense of social unrest. Breitner challenges us to recognize the humanity in every face, in every hurried step. He once said he aimed to "paint the way I see things," revealing his commitment to subjective experience. Ultimately, these sketches serve as a reminder of the individuals who navigate the complexities of modern society, each carrying their unique stories.