Studie 1896 - 1897

This is an undated pencil sketch called “Studie” by George Hendrik Breitner, held at the Rijksmuseum. Breitner was a Dutch painter and photographer known for depicting urban life in Amsterdam during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His work offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people, often focusing on the working class and marginalized communities. Breitner sought to capture the raw, unfiltered reality of the city, including its gritty and sometimes unsettling aspects. He was known for his direct, unembellished style. Here we see a glimpse of the artist’s process, his attention drawn to something compelling enough to capture in a few quick lines. It is evocative of the fleeting moments of urban life that fascinated Breitner, and of the social realities of the time. This small study reflects both Breitner's artistic approach and the atmosphere of his time.