Studie 1880 - 1882

This charcoal study by Dutch artist George Hendrik Breitner is a preliminary sketch from 1880-1882 that is currently held in the Rijksmuseum. Breitner is known for his depictions of daily life in Amsterdam, often featuring scenes of the city's streets, cafes, and people. This particular work, however, does not show a specific subject, but instead utilizes quick, gestural lines to capture the essence of form and composition. This raw and unpolished style is indicative of Breitner's use of sketching as a means of exploring ideas and developing his visual vocabulary.