Figuurstudie Possibly 1881 - 1885

George Hendrik Breitner made this charcoal drawing, titled “Figuurstudie,” at an unknown date. It is now held at the Rijksmuseum. The gestural, sketchy quality of the drawing is typical of artists working in the late 19th century who were turning away from the strict academic painting styles that were promoted by institutions such as the École des Beaux-Arts. Made in the Netherlands, this drawing should be considered within a wider cultural context of artists interested in depictions of modern life. Breitner’s turn to quick and informal sketching can be seen as a rejection of older social norms of artistic training. Rather than spending years copying classical sculptures or working on history paintings, Breitner went out into the streets of Amsterdam and observed everyday life. Historians help us to understand that the meaning of art is always tied to the moment of its making. We can learn more about Breitner's artistic practice by looking at letters, diaries, and other archival materials.