Annotaties c. 1893s - 1903s

George Hendrik Breitner created this annotation page, now held at the Rijksmuseum, as a personal record during a time when travel and cultural exchange were becoming increasingly accessible to artists. Breitner, living in an era of burgeoning global awareness, jotted down observations and phrases that captured his encounters with different cultures and languages. This page reflects the curiosity and the colonial gaze of the 19th century. Phrases like 'Hulji Babaven Ispahan' alongside 'his meisje van Kars' hint at the people and stories Breitner encountered, yet framed within the power dynamics of his time. It's a reminder that the artist's vision, while personal, was also shaped by broader societal attitudes towards those from different cultural backgrounds. Breitner's annotations invite us to reflect on how we document and interpret the experiences of others, urging a critical awareness of the narratives we construct. This small page, filled with fleeting impressions, holds a mirror to both the past and our present.