Figuurstudies en een stadsgezicht met een standbeeld c. 1873 - 1886

This is an undated graphite drawing by George Hendrik Breitner, now held at the Rijksmuseum. Breitner, a key figure in the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, captured the dynamic, gritty realities of urban life in the Netherlands during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This study provides insight into Breitner's artistic process, revealing a focus on both human figures and cityscapes. Breitner was particularly drawn to the working class, and those who were often excluded from mainstream society. The sketches suggest his empathy for his subjects. While the identities of the figures in this study are unknown, Breitner's art invites us to reflect on who is represented, who is not, and how urban spaces shape our perceptions. "I am not a painter for beauty-parlours," he famously stated, underscoring his commitment to portraying life as he saw it. This raw, unfinished sketch encourages us to contemplate the complexities of identity, representation, and urban experience.