Figuurstudies 1893

This is George Hendrik Breitner’s "Figuurstudies," a sketch currently held at the Rijksmuseum, offering a glimpse into the artist's creative process. Breitner, living from 1857 to 1923, was deeply embedded in the social fabric of Amsterdam, documenting the city's pulse with an eye for the working class and marginalized. His art captures the emotional weight of urban life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Breitner, often associated with Impressionism, moved beyond mere aesthetics, engaging with the gritty realities of his time. "It is not my aim to paint beautifully but to paint truthfully" he said, his work often depicted women in states of undress, reflecting his interest in capturing unvarnished moments of life. These sketches explore the representation of the female form, challenging idealized portrayals prevalent in academic art. Breitner invites us to reflect on the social dynamics and individual experiences that shape our understanding of identity and representation.