Beurspleintje te Amsterdam, gezien vanaf het Rokin 1910

George Hendrik Breitner created this pencil drawing, "Beurspleintje te Amsterdam, gezien vanaf het Rokin," capturing a street view in Amsterdam. Breitner, living from 1857 to 1923, was deeply invested in depicting the everyday life of the working class in Amsterdam. He moved away from traditional, idealized representations, choosing instead to document the raw realities of the city. In this sketch, the fleeting nature of modern life is palpable, reflecting the changing urban landscape and the social dynamics within it. Breitner was known for his empathetic approach to his subjects. This sketch allows us to glimpse the world through his eyes, experiencing a moment of the city's relentless pulse, and prompting us to consider our own place within the social fabric.