Schetsboek met 29 bladen 1884 - 1886

Editor: This is "Sketchbook with 29 Leaves" by George Hendrik Breitner, created between 1884 and 1886. It’s a mixed-media drawing on paper, currently held at the Rijksmuseum. The worn texture of the sketchbook cover gives it such an intimate, almost nostalgic feel. What can you tell me about how this sketchbook reflects Breitner’s world? Curator: This sketchbook offers an incredibly valuable glimpse into Breitner's artistic process, revealing not only his personal observations, but also the socio-political context of Amsterdam during the late 19th century. Consider, for instance, how sketchbooks like these, often filled with on-the-spot impressions, became tools for artists engaging with urban life and portraying everyday subjects. To me, it prompts a broader consideration: who gets represented, and why? Editor: That’s a good point. How did Breitner's focus on ordinary subjects challenge the art establishment? Curator: Breitner's scenes of working-class life, street scenes, and the gritty reality of Amsterdam departed from the idealized, historical, or mythological themes favored by the art academies. By focusing on contemporary life, Breitner was contributing to a democratisation of art. What is so great about looking into these sketches and understanding that shift that’s happening? Editor: I guess that you can see what life really was in the Netherlands, in the big city: and how these impressionists, while considered part of the establishment, portrayed these every day people and activities? I didn't quite consider his contribution to democratizing art by shifting away from conventional subject matter. It makes you wonder about the choices artists make in representing their time. Curator: Exactly, and that’s the constant dance, isn’t it? Art and the artist don’t stand alone outside the forces shaping their moment. Thanks for letting me talk!