Figuurstudies c. 1891 - 1894

This sketch of 'Figuurstudies' was made by George Hendrik Breitner, an artist active in the Netherlands during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Breitner was known for his depictions of urban life, often focusing on the working class in Amsterdam. While this work appears unfinished, it offers insight into his process of capturing fleeting moments and human experiences. It depicts what seems to be a person seated at a table, perhaps in a café or at home, with an economy of line that suggests both intimacy and distance. The sketch invites us to consider the individual's story within the broader social context of Breitner's time. Breitner’s ability to find beauty and significance in everyday life encourages us to reflect on our own observations, and how we connect with the world around us.