Figuurstudie 1883 - 1885

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, Figuurstudie, with pencil on paper during his time in the Netherlands. Breitner was known for depicting the working class of Amsterdam. Given this focus, it is likely that this sketch is one of many studies of working people, such as the women who can be seen walking through the streets of Amsterdam, in other works made around the same time. The study is sketched quickly and captures the essence of the figures, showing them in motion and in their social environment. Breitner was interested in capturing the reality of life as it was lived by ordinary people. As a historian of art, I would consider the social and economic conditions of the Netherlands at the time this sketch was made. I would also look at Breitner's other works, as well as the works of his contemporaries, to gain a better understanding of his artistic vision and its relation to the social and institutional context.