Twee gezichten 1881 - 1883

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, called "Two Faces," at an unknown date, using graphite on paper. Breitner was a Dutch painter known for his depictions of urban life in Amsterdam. This sketch, now in the Rijksmuseum, offers a glimpse into Breitner's artistic process. The loose lines and multiple views of the faces suggest a study of form and expression. Made during a period of rapid social change in the Netherlands, Breitner's art often reflected the realities of modern life, including the working class and the bustling city streets. To fully understand Breitner's work, we can look at photographs and literature from his time. Art historians consider the cultural and economic conditions that shaped his perspective, like the rise of industrialization, alongside how the institutions of art such as the museum, art school, and salon, influenced his practice. This helps us understand the complex relationship between art and society.