Figuurstudie 1895 - 1898

This is a sketch by George Hendrik Breitner, an artist who lived from 1857 to 1923. He made this work on paper, but the exact date remains unknown. Breitner was part of a generation of artists who turned away from romantic idealism and instead, focused on capturing the gritty reality of urban life. His sketches, like this one, often served as preparatory studies for larger paintings, capturing fleeting moments and the everyday experiences of people around him. The figure here, though roughly drawn, hints at the artist’s interest in representing the human form. It suggests a curiosity about the individual's place within the rapidly changing social landscape of the time. Breitner lived and worked during a period of significant social change, including industrialization, urbanization, and shifts in class structures. By focusing on ordinary subjects and scenes, Breitner invites us to consider the lives and stories of those often overlooked in more traditional art forms. This raw and intimate portrayal offers a glimpse into the human condition and the artist's empathetic view of the world around him.