Annotaties 1893

This annotated page comes from George Hendrik Breitner, who worked in the Netherlands in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. At first glance, this page from Breitner’s notebook might seem like a simple list of numbers and calculations, but it offers a glimpse into the artist's working methods and the social context in which he operated. Breitner was known for his realistic depictions of urban life in Amsterdam. The notations here might relate to the pricing and sale of his works, or expenses. The art market in Amsterdam during Breitner's time was evolving, with new galleries and exhibition spaces emerging. Artists were increasingly aware of the commercial aspects of their profession, which explains why they took notes of such things. By studying these annotations, alongside other archival materials like letters and sales records, we can gain a richer understanding of Breitner’s career and the economic forces that shaped artistic production in the Netherlands. The meaning of this notebook page is contingent on understanding this social and institutional context.