Figuurstudies 1884 - 1886

George Hendrik Breitner created "Figuurstudies" using graphite on paper in the late 19th or early 20th century. Breitner was known for his depictions of working-class life in Amsterdam, a city undergoing rapid industrialization and social change. This sketch offers a glimpse into Breitner’s process of observing and documenting the human figure, likely for use in larger compositions. The loose, suggestive lines capture the essence of bodies in motion or at rest. While seemingly simple, these studies reflect Breitner’s engagement with the social realities of his time, and echo the artist's interest in capturing fleeting moments and the everyday experiences of ordinary people. Breitner was interested in portraying the lives of those often overlooked, and he aimed to depict the realities of urban life, avoiding romanticization. Consider how this sketch, with its quick, informal lines, might convey a sense of immediacy and authenticity, inviting us to connect with the subjects on a human level.