Gezicht op het Leidseplein te Amsterdam 1895 - 1898

George Hendrik Breitner created this pencil sketch, titled "Gezicht op het Leidseplein te Amsterdam," offering us a glimpse into the bustling Leidseplein in Amsterdam. Breitner, living between 1857 and 1923, situated himself in a rapidly changing world. He sought to capture the essence of urban life during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This sketch, with its rapid lines, reveals Breitner’s fascination with modernity and the working class. His work often focused on capturing the dynamism of city life, and he was sometimes criticised for his choice to represent these less-glamorous subjects. Consider the immediacy of the sketch and how it reflects a moment in time. Breitner’s quick strokes emphasize the transient nature of urban experience. This approach challenged traditional artistic values, and repositioned everyday life as a worthy subject of artistic exploration. His empathetic portrayal invites viewers to reflect on the social fabric and the varied human experiences within it.