Studie 1896 - 1897

George Hendrik Breitner created this sketch, Studie, as part of a larger body of work that captures the pulse of Amsterdam during a period of intense social and economic change. Breitner, living between 1857 and 1923, was deeply attuned to the shifts in class and identity that were reshaping Dutch society. His art often focused on the working class, a group rendered newly visible by industrialization yet frequently overlooked in more traditional artistic circles. Breitner, a contemporary observer of urban life, sought to capture authentic moments of everyday existence. This sketch is more than just lines on paper, it is a glimpse into Breitner’s process of observation and engagement with his surroundings. Breitner’s sketches provide a window into the artist’s thought process, reflecting his desire to document the changing faces and spaces of Amsterdam.