Vrouwen op het Rokin te Amsterdam, ter hoogte van het Spui 1886 - 1923

This study, 'Vrouwen op het Rokin te Amsterdam, ter hoogte van het Spui,' was made by George Hendrik Breitner using graphite. Here, we see figures in motion—women walking along a street in Amsterdam, their forms only lightly described. The clothing depicted is of significant cultural resonance. Note the long coats that obscure the bodies, and the head coverings. These were standard modes of dress for women in the late 19th century, indicative of social norms of modesty and propriety. Such coverings find echoes in earlier iconic representations of women in various cultures: consider the veiled figures in ancient Roman art, or the draped Madonnas of the Renaissance. The act of covering or concealing often invokes a sense of mystery, but also speaks to social status, religious affiliation, or protection from the outside world. Here, Breitner captures the essence of a specific time, hinting at the psychological and emotional experiences of women navigating the bustling streets of a modern city.