Studie, mogelijk van figuren bij heiwerkzaamheden 1883 - 1885

This is George Hendrik Breitner's graphite sketch in the Rijksmuseum, showing figures possibly engaged in pile-driving, capturing a raw slice of urban labor. Breitner, working in the Netherlands, around the turn of the 20th century, was known for his unflinching portrayals of working-class life. This sketch, though simple, is a window into the rapid urbanization of Amsterdam. The choice of subject, construction workers, contrasts sharply with the idealized rural scenes favored by some contemporaries. Breitner's focus on the everyday challenges the prevailing artistic norms and implicitly comments on the social disparities of his time. To fully understand Breitner, we delve into city archives, exploring the records of Amsterdam's explosive growth, examining the artist's biography, and tracking the development of construction technology. In this way, we can better appreciate how the sketch reflects the Netherlands' changing social fabric and expanding urban landscape.