Wolkenlucht c. 1895 - 1898

George Hendrik Breitner made this drawing, called Wolkenlucht, with pencil on paper. Although undated, Breitner was active in the Netherlands from the 1880s through the early 20th century, so we can contextualize this artwork as a product of that time. The image is an evocative sketch of a clouded sky. Breitner was known for his depictions of the urban environment of Amsterdam, as well as for his interest in photography. This sketch may have been a preparatory study for a painting, or a record of his observations about the meteorological conditions in the Netherlands. The sketch shows an interest in capturing transient atmospheric effects, an interest reflected in the work of the Hague School. Art historians consult a variety of resources, including letters, diaries, and exhibition reviews to better understand the place of artworks like this in their historical and institutional context. Breitner's work reflects the social conditions of his time and the institutional frameworks, like the art market, that shaped his artistic production.