Twee staande figuren 1883 - 1885

George Hendrik Breitner made this drawing, "Twee staande figuren," with black chalk on paper. Breitner was a Dutch painter and photographer known for his depictions of urban life in Amsterdam during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Breitner belonged to a generation of artists who sought to capture the gritty realities of modern life, rather than idealized or romanticized visions. This work provides insight into the gendered experiences of urban life during the artist's time. The figures, likely women, are seen from an anonymous perspective. Breitner’s interest in photography influenced his sketch-like style, creating an atmosphere of movement and immediacy. Breitner once said, "I see nothing fantastic or strange in city life." His art reflects a desire to capture the ordinary, the everyday, and the transient moments that make up the urban experience. This drawing encourages us to reflect on the emotional and social dimensions of urban existence, both then and now.