Figuurstudies 1880 - 1882

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, titled 'Figuurstudies,' using graphite on paper. Breitner was a key figure in the Amsterdam Impressionism movement of the late 19th century. His art captured the daily life of the working class in Amsterdam, a subject often overlooked at the time. Breitner's personal experiences shaped his artistic vision. As someone who grew up in a middle-class family but chose to live among the working class, he developed an intimate understanding of their struggles and resilience. It's clear to see how he sought to develop alternative narratives to the dominant cultural representations. Though only a sketch, its loose lines and unfinished quality evoke a sense of immediacy and authenticity. How do you react to this very personal representation of urban life?