Studie, mogelijk een figuurstudie c. 1893s - 1903s

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, likely a figure study, with black chalk on paper. Breitner, working in the Netherlands at the turn of the 20th century, was known for his depictions of urban life and working-class subjects. This sketch, although a preliminary study, reflects a shift in artistic focus towards the everyday. During this period, the art world was becoming more institutionalized, with academies and museums playing a significant role in shaping artistic taste. Breitner, however, often sought to capture the raw reality of modern life, moving away from the idealized and classical themes favored by the art establishment. The sketch shows the artist at work, rapidly capturing a fleeting moment. To truly understand the social context of Breitner’s work, one could delve into archives of the period, exploring exhibition catalogs and critical reviews. Considering the social and institutional context in which art is produced reminds us that art is not made in a vacuum.