Zittende man met hoed 1881 - 1883

This is George Hendrik Breitner’s drawing "Zittende man met hoed” or “Seated Man with Hat," currently residing at the Rijksmuseum. Breitner lived through tumultuous social and economic upheaval in the Netherlands. His impressionistic style captures the emotional weight of daily life. This drawing of a man captures a specific posture, he sits in a chair tilted back with his feet up, hat tilted down. Is he relaxing, sleeping, or ill? Breitner's work often depicted working-class subjects, and this piece invites reflection on class and masculinity in 19th-century Dutch society. Breitner sought to capture a sense of immediacy and realism in his work, often choosing subjects from everyday life, and in this way he creates an empathetic relationship between the viewer and his subject. Breitner’s style challenged traditional artistic conventions, reflecting broader shifts in society. This work offers a glimpse into a specific moment in time, while inviting us to consider the complex interplay of identity, class, and representation.