Figuurstudies 1884 - 1886

This sketch, "Figuurstudies," was created by George Hendrik Breitner, part of his exploration of urban life in the Netherlands. Breitner lived during a period of rapid social change, witnessing the shift from traditional society to a more modern, industrialized world. Breitner, known for his gritty depictions of Amsterdam, often focused on the lives of ordinary people. These sketches likely capture fleeting moments of everyday life. They offer insight into the fashion of the time, but also hint at the anonymous figures who populate the urban landscape. Breitner sought to portray the energy and movement of city life. The rough, unfinished nature of these sketches only adds to their sense of immediacy. What do you feel as you observe these anonymous figures? This piece encourages us to consider the lives of individuals often overlooked in the grand narratives of history.