Marie Jordan naakt liggend op een bed c. 1888

This is George Hendrik Breitner's photograph, "Marie Jordan naakt liggend op een bed," now residing in the Rijksmuseum. Breitner, living between 1857 and 1923, was a Dutch painter and photographer known for his images of urban life in Amsterdam. This photograph gives us an intimate glimpse into Breitner's personal life, as Marie Jordan was his model and lover. The photograph invites contemplation about the power dynamics inherent in the artist-model relationship. It was a time when women's bodies were often objectified in art, yet here, there's a sense of vulnerability and ease. "I don't prettify, but picture" Breitner once said, reflecting his desire to capture the real, unfiltered world around him. The image avoids idealized forms and instead focuses on a realistic portrayal of the female nude, challenging traditional representations. The photograph reflects broader societal issues concerning representation, intimacy, and gender roles during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as the emotional and personal dimensions of the relationship between artist and model.