Twee vrouwen in de branding 1880 - 1882

George Hendrik Breitner made this graphite drawing, “Two Women in the Surf,” sometime during his career. Breitner lived in a time when the traditional roles of women were being challenged and redefined. Here, the sketches of these women seem to capture a candid moment, yet the women are partially obscured and not fully realized, prompting questions about visibility, representation, and identity. One woman is in the process of adjusting or removing what appears to be a head covering. I can't help but wonder if she feels the cool ocean breeze after freeing herself from the dictates of modesty? Are they contained within the drawing, or are they pushing at the edges of their roles? Breitner had a keen interest in capturing the realities of everyday life, and his works often featured ordinary people in urban settings. He was influenced by the Impressionists, and this piece reflects his commitment to depicting modern life. This sketch hints at the changing representation and lived experiences of women in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.