Twee figuurstudies c. 1886 - 1923

Editor: This is "Two Figure Studies" by George Hendrik Breitner, likely done between 1886 and 1923. It's a pencil drawing currently held at the Rijksmuseum. The quick lines give it such a sense of immediacy and I find myself wondering who the figures are. How would you interpret these portraits? Curator: It's important to note that Breitner, while associated with Impressionism, was also deeply engaged with capturing the realities of urban life, especially in Amsterdam. These studies, while seemingly simple, speak to a broader shift in the art world towards depicting everyday people and moments. What does their dress and carriage communicate about the sitter's status? Editor: Not much stands out regarding their clothing but perhaps the confidence in the top portrait suggests an elevated status? Also, considering the reversed drawing at the bottom—perhaps it was more of an exercise, or experiment? Curator: Precisely. Artists at this time were striving to break free from academic constraints and capture a more authentic view of the world. Think of the growing urban middle class. Figure studies like these provided an avenue to engage with contemporary life and explore new forms of representation beyond traditional portraiture commissioned by the wealthy. The political and economic landscape directly influenced artistic production and what subjects were considered worthy of representation. Editor: That’s interesting, it almost feels like a quiet revolution through portraiture. I hadn't thought about how the rise of a new class would influence these works! Curator: And notice that Breitner chooses not to flatter the figures. This challenges the historical conventions around portraiture, highlighting how artists of the time were using their work to depict a more democratic version of society. Do you agree? Editor: I definitely see that now. The honesty is refreshing. I guess I was initially seeing them more as detached character studies, not in terms of social commentary. It really changes my view of these types of sketches. Curator: Indeed, thinking about the purpose of such sketches for Breitner's work gives us insights on the public role of his art and the politics behind these images. Editor: Well, that really broadened my view, it's incredible to think about the cultural and political backdrop to understand artworks better!