Studieblad 1880 - 1882

This is a page of studies in graphite on paper by George Hendrik Breitner, part of the collection at the Rijksmuseum. Breitner lived through a time of immense social and political change, especially regarding class and labor relations. Breitner's artistic practice was deeply intertwined with his personal experiences and social observations. He famously walked through Amsterdam capturing city life, making sketches from which he later composed his paintings. While he's best known for his paintings, drawings like this give us a glimpse into his process. These quick sketches seem to capture figures in quiet, personal moments. Breitner sought to portray the world around him with authenticity. This work invites us to look at the everyday, and value the lives and experiences of ordinary people.