Figuur aan het water 1880 - 1882

"Figuur aan het water" (Figure by the Water) is a pencil sketch by George Hendrik Breitner, a Dutch painter known for his urban scenes and depictions of daily life. Created between 1880 and 1882, this quick study, now part of the Rijksmuseum collection, likely captures a fleeting moment observed by Breitner during his time in Amsterdam. The composition features a rough outline of a figure near a body of water, possibly a canal. The lines are loose and gestural, revealing Breitner's keen eye for capturing the essence of a scene in a rapid sketch. This sketch, while incomplete, is a testament to Breitner's artistic process and his ability to translate observations into impactful compositions.