Kinderen en een vrouwenhoofd 1898

George Hendrik Breitner sketched 'Children and a Woman's Head,' using pencil on paper. Breitner, living in Amsterdam, captured the city’s dynamic, and often overlooked, populace. This sketch offers an intimate, informal glimpse into the lives of women and children, reflecting the artist's interest in depicting everyday scenes. During the late 19th century there was an increased visibility of women in public spaces, yet their representation in art often remained restricted to domestic roles. Breitner challenges this by showing women as integral figures in the urban landscape. He seems to value an emotional and relational identity of mother and child, rather than of individual, professional self. The rapid strokes capture a sense of immediacy. This approach mirrors the fleeting moments of daily life. The sketch invites a deeper consideration of the social dynamics and personal stories interwoven within the fabric of the city.