Hoofden en een slapende hond c. 1882

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, "Heads and a Sleeping Dog," sometime during his career, using graphite on paper. Breitner was known for his gritty depictions of Amsterdam, capturing the daily lives of its working class with an unflinching eye. This sketch provides an intimate glimpse into Breitner’s process, revealing his keen observation and ability to capture character with minimal lines. The subjects, ordinary people and a dog, mirror Breitner's broader focus on representing the unvarnished realities of urban life. Breitner’s work often challenged the traditional art establishment, which favored more idealized representations. His commitment to realism, influenced by his social consciousness, reflected a desire to depict the world as he saw it, with all its imperfections and complexities. Consider how Breitner’s sketch encourages a recognition of the lives and stories of those often overlooked.