Studieblad met twee mannen, een zittende vrouw en gezichten 1887 - 1889

George Hendrik Breitner created this sketch titled 'Studieblad met twee mannen, een zittende vrouw en gezichten' during a time of rapid social change and industrialization in the Netherlands. Breitner, known for his depictions of working-class life, captures figures that seem caught between visibility and erasure. The fragmented composition, with its floating heads and bodies, evoke a sense of alienation. Breitner was interested in representing the individual experiences within a rapidly changing urban landscape. The ambiguity of the figures invites reflection on the precariousness of identity. Do they reflect the artist's personal experiences or beliefs? Do they challenge traditional representations, or reinforce existing power dynamics? This sketch invites us to contemplate the complex interplay between identity, society, and artistic expression. What does it mean to be seen, and what does it mean to be overlooked?