Figuurstudies Possibly 1881 - 1883

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, Figuurstudies, with a pencil on paper. Breitner was a Dutch painter known for his depictions of urban life in Amsterdam during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In this drawing, he captures fleeting moments and studies of figures, likely observed in the bustling streets of the city. During this time, the Netherlands was undergoing rapid industrialization and urbanization, leading to significant social and economic changes. Artists like Breitner sought to capture the reality of modern life, including the working class and the everyday experiences of ordinary people. Breitner's work often reflects the influence of Impressionism and Realism, artistic movements that challenged traditional academic art. Studying sources from the late 19th century, such as newspapers and photographs, helps us to further understand the context of Breitner's art and its relationship to the society in which it was created.