Hoofden en een vrouwenbuste in profiel 1880 - 1882

This sketch of heads and a woman's bust in profile was created by George Hendrik Breitner. Breitner worked during a time of rapid social change, as the Netherlands modernized and urbanized. His work often grappled with the stark realities of urban life and his images of working-class women are particularly compelling. The woman depicted here, with her modest attire and averted gaze, embodies a quiet dignity, yet the loose sketch lines suggest a sense of vulnerability. Breitner was known for capturing fleeting moments, and there is an emotional tension between the detailed rendering of her face and the ephemeral quality of the sketch. Breitner sought to portray people from all walks of life with empathy, challenging the art world's more idealized representations of women. This work serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing the diverse experiences and identities within a society.