Mannenhoofd 1893 - 1899

This is a page from George Hendrik Breitner's sketchbook. Though the date of this work is unknown, Breitner was active during a period of significant social and cultural transformation. This page gives us insight into his artistic process. At first glance, the page may seem like a chaotic jumble of lines and numbers. But look closer, and you'll see the faint outline of a head emerging from the scribbles. This portrait, rendered in a hurried hand, sits amidst a flurry of calculations. Breitner, known for his photographs and paintings of Amsterdam's working class, was deeply engaged with capturing the essence of modern urban life. Breitner's work often reflects the stark realities of poverty and labor, and his commitment to realism challenged the prevailing romantic ideals of the art world. In that sense, this sketch, with its blend of artistic observation and mathematical precision, encapsulates Breitner's attempt to capture the complexities of the modern world through both artistic and analytical means. It humanizes an art from a time where precision was key.