Studieblad met een vrouwenhoofd, een kat en twee wijnglazen Possibly 1882 - 1886

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of a woman's head, a cat, and two wine glasses in the Netherlands, most likely in the late 19th or early 20th century. Working in Amsterdam, Breitner was known for his depictions of working-class life and the urban environment. This informal sketch gives us an insight into the artist's process, showing him exploring different subjects and compositions. It's a glimpse into his everyday life, including the comforts and pleasures of wine and companionship. The sketch can be read in the context of the Realist movement which sought to depict the world as it was, without idealization. Breitner was part of a generation of artists who were challenging the established norms of the art world and exploring new ways of representing modern life. To understand this sketch fully, we need to consider the social and cultural context in which it was made, consulting contemporary newspapers and magazines. We might ask how does this sketch reflect or challenge the social norms of its time?