Figuurstudies c. 1891 - 1894

George Hendrik Breitner made this pencil drawing, titled ‘Figuurstudies’, in the Netherlands at the turn of the 20th century. It’s a preliminary sketch, perhaps made in preparation for a painting. But a sketch is more than just a practical exercise. It represents a distinct moment of looking, in which the artist singles out a subject for special attention. What does it mean to find aesthetic potential in this scene? The sketch gives us an intimate glimpse into the cultural milieu of the Amsterdam Impressionists. The drawing invites questions of class and gender. Are these working women? How do we know? As art historians, we can use archival material to shed light on the image. By researching the artist’s life and the cultural context of the work, we can uncover a fuller and richer understanding of its historical meaning.