Stadsgezicht c. 1889 - 1904

George Hendrik Breitner quickly rendered this cityscape in charcoal on paper. The speed of this sketch gives us insight into how Breitner worked, catching the fleeting moments of urban life. Here, the material is elemental. Charcoal, made from burnt organic matter, is rubbed onto the fibrous surface of the paper. The stark contrast captures the energy of the city, but also suggests industry, pollution, the gritty realities of the modern world. Look closely at the strokes of charcoal: they’re applied with immediacy and confidence. This shows the artist's mastery, and long hours spent perfecting their craft. Yet the sketch also speaks to the industrialization around Breitner. Just as factories churned out products, Breitner efficiently captures the essence of the cityscape through the charcoal. This shows us the world around the artist. Considering the materials, the speed of production, and the subject matter, we see how Breitner bridged traditional artistic skill with the changing landscape of labor and industry.