Studie Possibly 1882 - 1900

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch on paper, and it's currently held at the Rijksmuseum. It shows a coat thrown casually over the back of a chair, a commonplace scene, yet it offers insight into Breitner's artistic process. Breitner was a key figure in the Amsterdam Impressionism movement in the Netherlands. This study, though simple, reflects the movement's focus on capturing everyday life, on portraying scenes of urban existence. During the late 19th century, there was a shift in art towards realism, away from romanticized and idealized depictions. Breitner, along with his contemporaries, wanted to portray the world as they saw it, with all its imperfections and transient moments. The sketch reveals a desire to capture the fleeting nature of modern life. To fully understand Breitner's work, we delve into the social context of the time, exploring the rise of urbanism, industrialization, and the changing social structures of the Netherlands. Only then can we appreciate the significance of this sketch in representing a specific moment in the country’s history.