Studieblad met twee vrouwen 1881 - 1883

George Hendrik Breitner created this sketch of two women in the late 19th or early 20th century. Breitner worked in Amsterdam during a time of rapid urbanization and social change. Breitner was known for his depictions of working-class women. His art captures intimate, unposed moments. In this sketch, the women are rendered with a casual, almost fleeting quality. This approach challenges the traditional, idealized representations of women in art. Instead, it offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of ordinary people. Breitner's work reflects the broader cultural shifts of his time, as artists began to explore new ways of representing modern life and to question traditional social norms. His focus on the realities of urban life and the experiences of working-class individuals is imbued with a sense of empathy and a desire to capture the human experience. His sketches offer a nuanced portrayal of women's lives in a rapidly changing society.