Gezicht vanaf de brug naar het Prinseneiland in Amsterdam 1890 - 1910

This photographic print, titled "View from the bridge to Prinseneiland in Amsterdam," was created by George Hendrik Breitner in the late 19th or early 20th century. It shows an industrial area and emphasizes the impact of trade and commerce on the city's landscape. The image presents a somber view of Amsterdam, dominated by warehouses and waterways. Breitner's choice to focus on this working-class area, rather than the more picturesque canals or historical landmarks, reflects a shift in artistic interests towards depicting modern, urban life. Amsterdam in this period was undergoing rapid industrialization, and Breitner's work often captured these changes and their effects on the city's social fabric. To understand the context in which the image was made, we can consult city archives and historical studies of Amsterdam's economic development. Breitner's art invites us to reflect on the relationship between urban development, labor, and the changing face of European cities.