Mannenhoofd met hoed c. 1882

This is George Hendrik Breitner's sketch, ‘Mannenhoofd met hoed’ or ‘Head of a Man with a Hat’, now held at the Rijksmuseum. Breitner worked during a time of rapid social and economic change in the Netherlands, and was known for his candid depictions of urban life. This sketch offers an intimate glimpse into the artist's process. The subject, a man in a hat, is rendered with quick, assured lines, capturing a sense of his presence. Breitner was interested in capturing fleeting moments and ordinary people. During the late 19th century, there was a growing interest in representing the working class and marginalized communities in art, yet the identity of this man remains a mystery. Breitner’s work often reflects the social realities of his time, marked by industrialization and urbanization. While the sketch itself does not explicitly address these issues, it invites us to consider the individual stories of those who lived through these transformative years. The emotional depth of this sketch lies in its ability to connect us to a past era and its people.