Man in een mantel, op de rug gezien c. 1886 - 1890

George Hendrik Breitner sketched this man in a coat, seen from the back, using black chalk. He’s a solitary figure; the mantle enveloping him hides him from view and suggests anonymity. Throughout history, the motif of a figure seen from behind has recurred, and we observe it in works from Caspar David Friedrich to Gustave Caillebotte. Often, it serves to invite the viewer to identify with the subject, to project themselves into the scene. Consider how such a depiction allows one to ponder the psychological weight of bearing burdens. The weight of societal expectations. The cloak, as a symbol, can be traced back to antiquity, often representing protection, mystery, or disguise. In medieval times, cloaks indicated status, evolving from practical garments to symbolic representations of authority and affiliation. The man's posture conveys a sense of introspection, a moment of pause, perhaps even resignation. This sketch captures a universal emotional state, reflecting our shared human experiences across time.