Meisje met hoed op Hartjesdag c. 1894 - 1898

George Hendrik Breitner made this drawing of a girl with a hat, in charcoal on paper, seemingly as a quick study for a painting. Breitner was a key figure in the Amsterdam Impressionism movement in the Netherlands during the late 19th century. His focus on urban life and working-class subjects set him apart from many of his contemporaries. This drawing is titled 'Girl with hat on Hartjesdag' referring to a local festival on the 3rd Monday in August, when traditionally, women were supposed to be in charge of domestic and political life for a day. Breitner's interest in portraying everyday life, rather than idealized scenes, reflects a broader shift in artistic values at the time. Artists were increasingly looking to capture the realities of modern urban existence. Hartjesdag itself was a contested tradition, often associated with working-class festivities. Understanding art like this requires digging into the cultural context. By looking at sources from the time – newspapers, social commentary, and other artworks – we can understand the significance of this seemingly simple sketch, and Breitner’s project to document the everyday life of Amsterdam.