Figuurstudies 1880 - 1882

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketchbook page of pencil drawings in the late 19th or early 20th century. Breitner was a Dutch painter and photographer known for his images of working-class life in Amsterdam. This page of sketches is a study of figures, likely drawn from observation. Breitner was known for his interest in capturing the dynamism of modern life, and his work often focused on the everyday experiences of ordinary people. Breitner's approach was influenced by his social-democratic views. In this regard, this drawing reflects his commitment to depicting the realities of life for all members of society, even in fragmentary form. The sketches here offer us an intimate glimpse into the artist's process. They invite us to consider the lives and experiences of the people he depicted. The sketches allow us to meditate on the fleeting moments of life that might otherwise go unnoticed.