Rokin te Amsterdam, gezien naar het Muntplein 1886 - 1908

George Hendrik Breitner made this drawing of the Rokin in Amsterdam with graphite on paper. The apparent immediacy of Breitner’s sketch, made en plein air, belies the labor involved in the mass manufacture of graphite pencils during the industrial revolution. The subtle variations in the pencil’s tone and weight show how Breitner manipulated the medium to create depth and shadow in the cityscape. The rapid, gestural marks suggest a fleeting moment, capturing the energy of the bustling city. The choice of graphite—a readily available, relatively inexpensive material—democratizes the artistic process, making art accessible. Unlike traditional oil paintings, Breitner's sketches celebrate the everyday, highlighting the beauty found in urban life. This emphasis on process and accessibility challenges traditional notions of fine art, blurring the lines between the artist's hand and the industrial means of production that made his work possible.