Gezicht op gebouwen aan het water te Amsterdam 1893

This is a sketch of buildings along the water in Amsterdam, made by George Hendrik Breitner, using graphite on paper. Observe how the artist uses vertical lines to evoke both the buildings' presence and their reflection in the water. This duality is a motif that mirrors humanity's own reflection on existence. Recall the ancient Greek myth of Narcissus, who became entranced by his image, a motif recurring in art across time, symbolizing self-awareness, vanity, and mortality. In this sketch, the reflection isn't merely a visual element. It's an echo of the tangible, a reminder of our transient existence. This symbolic play between reality and reflection speaks to our deepest subconscious anxieties and desires. The image captures a fleeting moment, yet reverberates with timeless human concerns.