Gezicht op het Rokin te Amsterdam vanaf het Spui 1912 - 1919

George Hendrik Breitner made this drawing of the Rokin in Amsterdam from the Spui, most likely with a graphite pencil in a sketchbook. The brisk, energetic marks remind us that art-making is often a process of discovery. Look closely at the way Breitner captures the architectural details. The lines are quick, almost like shorthand, yet they convincingly suggest the depth and complexity of the buildings along the canal. It's as if he's not just recording what he sees but also feeling the pulse of the city. Notice the thin, wavering line to the right that describes the roof tops. Breitner’s work, with its immediacy and focus on urban life, always makes me think of artists like Edgar Degas, who were similarly interested in capturing the fleeting moments of modern existence. This little sketch is a testament to the idea that art is not just about the finished product but about the act of seeing and feeling the world around us.