Figuur, mogelijk in een steeg c. 1883 - 1885

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, "Figuur, mogelijk in een steeg," using graphite, capturing a figure in what seems to be an alleyway. Breitner, who lived from 1857 to 1923, was deeply invested in depicting the everyday life of Amsterdam. This sketch, with its raw lines and uncertain setting, offers a glimpse into the more vulnerable aspects of urban existence. Alleyways are liminal spaces, often associated with the marginalized, and the figure depicted might represent the working class or the less fortunate inhabitants of the city. Breitner's focus on such subjects challenged the traditional art world. He aimed to capture the gritty realities of modern life, a sentiment he expressed when he said that he wanted to depict "the people in the streets, just as they are." This sketch embodies that desire, revealing a moment of private existence within the harsh public environment of the city. It invites us to consider the identities and stories of those who often remain unseen.