Studie 1884 - 1886

George Hendrik Breitner made this charcoal sketch, called Studie, sometime between 1870 and 1923. It now resides in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. Breitner was known for his depictions of Amsterdam street life, and this sketch offers a glimpse into his working process. Note how he is using his sketchbooks as a place for observation and planning. But, also consider how institutions and schools have affected the development and reception of art. Breitner attended the Royal Academy of Art in Amsterdam and was associated with the Amsterdam Impressionism movement. Looking at the social conditions, we see that Amsterdam was experiencing rapid urbanization and industrialization during Breitner's time. Does this sketch reflect the changing urban landscape? Is it a romanticized view or a critical commentary? To understand Breitner's work better, one might look at his other sketches, paintings, and writings, as well as historical documents about Amsterdam during this period. Examining these sources helps us to interpret the meaning of art within its social and institutional context.