Dierstudies 1881 - 1883

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, Dierstudies, location unknown, using graphite. Breitner was a Dutch painter and photographer, known for his depictions of urban life in Amsterdam during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Although this work depicts ‘animal studies’, the reality is that these sketches, of working-class women in Amsterdam, exemplify Breitner’s approach to portraying the everyday existence of marginalized communities. He spent considerable time observing these women, capturing their poses and attitudes. The fragmented nature of the sketch, with its multiple overlapping figures, can suggest the transient and often precarious nature of their lives. Breitner's work often challenged the traditional art world’s focus on idealized subjects, instead focusing on representing the realities of modern life. He once said, "Painting is seeing." In his intimate studies, he allowed the viewer to connect with the subjects on a human level, fostering empathy and understanding. Dierstudies serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by many women during this period, and invites reflection on issues of inequality, and social justice, which persist to this day.