Vrouwen met kinderen 1880 - 1882

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch titled 'Women with Children' using graphite on paper. Breitner was a prominent figure in the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, known for his candid depictions of urban life. In this quick sketch, Breitner captures a fleeting moment of women with children. Made in the Netherlands, at the turn of the 20th century, the image is more than just a representation of a scene; it's a reflection of the social fabric. During this period, rapid industrialization and urbanization transformed Dutch society and Breitner was part of a group of artists turning their attention to the lives of ordinary people. This sketch would have been part of a process of gathering information about the world. More information on Breitner and the Amsterdam Impressionism movement can be found in the Rijksmuseum's archives, or in catalogues. The meaning of this image, like all art, is always contingent on its social and institutional context.