Twee jonge vrouwen aan een tafel, mogelijk in een etablissement 1890

This sketch by George Hendrik Breitner captures two women at a table, likely in a café. Though rendered simply, the composition offers a glimpse into a familiar social scene. The women’s gestures of repose, particularly the hands resting idly, remind us of similar poses found in classical art. Think of the languid hand gestures of figures in Pompeian frescoes, signifying leisure and contemplation. This motif transcends time, resurfacing even in modern contexts. Observe the way the women are positioned—one faces us directly, engaging our gaze, while the other is in profile, lost in thought. This dynamic mirrors the dualities often explored in art—the internal versus the external, the seen versus the unseen. Just as figures in Renaissance paintings convey complex emotions through subtle glances and postures, these women evoke a sense of introspection. Ultimately, this modest sketch reveals the enduring power of simple gestures and compositions to convey deeper psychological states, echoing across centuries.