Jonge vrouw met hoed Possibly 1881 - 1883

This is a pencil sketch by George Hendrik Breitner, titled 'Young Woman with a Hat', now at the Rijksmuseum. Breitner was a key figure in the Amsterdam Impressionism movement in the Netherlands. His work captured the daily life of the city, a theme we see here. What makes this drawing interesting is its context within the art world of the late 19th century. Photography was emerging, challenging the traditional role of painting. Breitner embraced photography and used it in his art. This sketch, with its candid, almost snapshot-like quality, reflects that influence. It’s as if Breitner is quickly capturing a fleeting moment on the streets of Amsterdam. Breitner's work also offers a glimpse into the social dynamics of the time. Amsterdam was changing rapidly, with new social classes emerging. By studying these sketches alongside historical records and photographs, we can gain a richer understanding of both Breitner's artistic vision and the society he lived in.