Staande man Possibly 1881 - 1885

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, Staande man, during the height of his career. Breitner lived in a time when the Netherlands was rapidly urbanizing, class divisions were becoming more pronounced, and new ideas about national identity were circulating. This drawing provides a glimpse into the artist’s process of capturing fleeting moments of everyday life. The sketch can be seen as more than just a study of a male figure; it's a reflection of the rapid social changes sweeping through Amsterdam at the time. Breitner was interested in portraying the lives of ordinary people, including laborers and the working class. Breitner’s commitment to representing modern life, including its gritty and unglamorous aspects, offers a compelling perspective on the negotiation of identity and representation in the Netherlands. He captures the essence of modern life through the lens of his own experiences.