Figuur met de armen over elkaar 1886 - 1923

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, "Figuur met de armen over elkaar," with pencil on paper. Breitner was working in Amsterdam during a period of rapid social change and industrialization. His involvement with the Maatschappij voor Volkswoningen, an organization dedicated to improving workers' housing, reflects a deep engagement with the era's socio-economic issues. Breitner sought to capture the essence of daily life, particularly among the working class. The figure with crossed arms seems to capture a moment of introspection or fatigue. This sketch serves as a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people, reflecting the artist’s empathy and the raw, unfiltered realities of urban life. Breitner’s work allows us to reflect on how we perceive and represent marginalized communities. It challenges us to consider the value and dignity inherent in every individual's experience, regardless of their social standing.