Vrouw met hoed c. 1886 - 1903

George Hendrik Breitner created this sketch, titled 'Vrouw met hoed', or Woman with a Hat, with pencil on paper. Breitner was known for his street photography and paintings of working-class life in Amsterdam. In this sketch, the loose and expressive lines capture a sense of immediacy, offering a glimpse into the artist's process. The woman's hat, a symbol of bourgeois fashion, contrasts with the gritty realities Breitner often depicted. Breitner had an eye for capturing the everyday experiences of women in a rapidly changing urban environment. We might reflect on how class and gender dynamics of the time influenced the ways women were seen and represented in art, and the limited opportunities available to them. In this sketch, Breitner does not maintain traditional representations of women. The quick strokes of the pencil show his wish to develop an alternative and honest narrative. The drawing creates a space for viewers to consider the diverse roles and identities women navigate.