Studie, mogelijk een architectuurstudie 1881 - 1883

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, possibly an architectural study, with chalk on paper. As a city painter, Breitner challenged the traditional subjects deemed worthy of art by the academy. In this sketch, we see that he has paid close attention to the city's architecture, particularly the construction process. Breitner lived and worked in Amsterdam during a period of rapid urbanization, and it is therefore no surprise to find him seeking new subjects in the streets around him. During the late 19th century, the art world was still dominated by academic traditions. Breitner’s focus on the everyday life of the common man and the rapidly changing urban environment broke with these traditions. To fully appreciate Breitner's contribution, it is crucial to look at exhibition reviews and other documents that illuminate the institutional and social context in which he worked. This reminds us that the meaning of art is always contingent on its social and historical context.