Annotatie c. 1880 - 1906

George Hendrik Breitner created this sketch, entitled "Annotatie", at an undetermined date. Breitner lived in a time of great social change, as the Netherlands rapidly industrialized and modernized. As a result, many people migrated to cities, leading to overcrowding and poverty. Breitner was known for capturing the energy of urban life. But he wasn't interested in the grand boulevards or wealthy citizens. Instead he focused on the working class, and the women on the margins. He was interested in the gritty reality of the streets. Though this sketch is simple, one can imagine it captures his attention to the fleeting moments of everyday life. It seems he found beauty and value in subjects overlooked by the mainstream. What do you find beautiful or compelling about this sketch?