Man met hoed, in profiel 1886 - 1903

Editor: We’re looking at "Man met hoed, in profiel" – "Man with a Hat, in Profile" – a graphite drawing by George Hendrik Breitner, dated somewhere between 1886 and 1903. It feels very spontaneous, almost like a quick sketch capturing a fleeting moment. What strikes you about this work? Curator: What stands out for me is the immediacy of it, which belies a more calculated purpose. Breitner was deeply engaged with capturing modern urban life. Sketches like this weren't simply casual; they were studies feeding into larger paintings that sought to portray the everyday experiences of ordinary people in Amsterdam. It's not just a portrait; it's a sociological observation. Editor: So, you're saying it's less about the individual and more about representing a type, a figure within a larger social context? Curator: Exactly. Think about the rise of the middle class, and the increasing visibility of different social strata in public spaces. Breitner, like many Impressionists, was interested in documenting this changing social landscape. This drawing provides insight into how he was collecting visual data, if you will, to depict modern life authentically. How do you think the use of graphite contributes to this? Editor: It allows for that quick, on-the-spot feel we were talking about, but it also feels… democratic. Graphite is accessible, readily available. Curator: Precisely! It democratizes the artistic process, aligning with Breitner’s focus on the everyday. This wasn't about idealizing or romanticizing; it was about representing reality as he saw it. Furthermore, it highlights the institution of the "sketchbook" and its role as a workspace of the artist to capture moments and ideas which is itself a phenomenon. Editor: I never considered how the medium itself could be a social statement! I’m now thinking of this drawing as a snapshot of a moment in time, charged with the changing social dynamics of the era. Curator: It's a glimpse into both Breitner's process and the broader social context he was trying to capture. A small sketch that speaks volumes about art's public role.