Twee dienstmeisjes 1867 - 1923

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, "Two Maids," with charcoal, at some point in his career. It's currently held at the Rijksmuseum. Breitner was a Dutch artist working at a time of rapid social change and industrialization. His work often focused on the lives of ordinary people, particularly those in the working classes. Here, the quick and candid nature of the sketch captures the essence of the maids' daily lives, offering a fleeting glimpse into their world. Looking at this image, we can consider how the art world and its institutions shaped Breitner's practice. Was he commissioned to create this piece, or was it a personal project? Did he intend for it to be displayed in a gallery or museum, or was it simply a study for a larger work? Understanding the social and institutional context of "Two Maids" requires further research into Breitner's life, the art world of his time, and the broader social conditions in the Netherlands. This is how we understand the meaning of art as contingent on social and institutional contexts.