Nieuwe Kerk te Amsterdam 1888

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam. Breitner lived through a time of industrial growth and social change in the Netherlands. He was known for capturing the energy of city life and showed an interest in the experiences of ordinary people. His work stood in contrast to the traditional landscapes and portraiture of the time. The sketch gives an intimate view into Breitner's artistic process, showing the bare bones of a scene before the addition of color and detail. Breitner was interested in capturing fleeting moments, and this quick sketch might have been a way for him to record an immediate impression of the church. “I see more beauty in a battered old cart on the street than in the Mona Lisa” Breitner said, showing his inclination towards everyday life. This sketch invites us to consider the artist's perspective and how he chose to represent his surroundings with directness and immediacy.