Vrouw met hoed 1884 - 1886

This is an undated pencil drawing titled 'Vrouw met hoed', or 'Woman with a Hat', by George Hendrik Breitner, a Dutch artist who lived between 1857 and 1923. Breitner, known for his depictions of Amsterdam city life, engaged with the social and political issues of his time. His work often focused on the lives of ordinary people, especially working-class women. This sketch of a woman with a hat offers a glimpse into the fashion and social customs of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but also invites questions about the woman’s identity and place in society. The loose, unfinished lines convey a sense of immediacy, as if Breitner captured a fleeting moment. The woman's hat, a symbol of status and femininity, hints at the complex roles women played in a rapidly changing society. Breitner sought to capture the real, unvarnished aspects of modern life, and this sketch reflects his commitment to portraying the everyday experiences of the people around him.