Schetsboek met 20 bladen 1892

This is George Hendrik Breitner's sketchbook from 1892, now held at the Rijksmuseum. But what can a simple sketchbook tell us about art and society? Sketchbooks like this one reveal much about the artistic process. This peek into the artist’s world shows the initial stages of creation, often hidden from public view. Breitner was working in Amsterdam at a time when the city was experiencing rapid urbanization and social change. Breitner was known for documenting the lives of ordinary people, capturing the gritty realities of urban life. The sketches within this book likely reflect his observations of the streets, the working class, and the changing landscape of Amsterdam. Breitner's work challenged the prevailing artistic norms of his time, which often focused on idealized or romanticized subjects. He sought to depict the world as he saw it, with all its imperfections and complexities. To understand this sketchbook fully, scholars might consult archival materials, letters, and other historical documents to gain insights into Breitner's life, artistic influences, and the social context in which he worked. This little book exemplifies the power of art to reflect and critique the society in which it is created.