Figuurstudies Possibly 1883 - 1886

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, simply titled “Figuurstudies”, using graphite on paper. Breitner lived and worked in Amsterdam in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is associated with the movement of *Amsterdam Impressionism,* which was, in part, about depicting everyday urban life. Breitner was particularly interested in working-class subjects. This sketch is likely a preliminary study for a painting featuring figures from the poorer areas of the city. What's particularly striking about the composition, or lack thereof, is that the figures are not portrayed in a way that would typically be exhibited. This raises interesting questions about the function of the drawing. Was this intended as a preparatory sketch or was it a final piece? The Rijksmuseum's archive may hold answers to these questions, offering insights into how such institutions collect, classify, and display the art of Breitner's time. This helps to understand the role of museums in shaping artistic legacies.