Gezicht op het Damrak te Amsterdam bij avond c. 1893s - 1903s

This is a preparatory sketch by George Hendrik Breitner, a Dutch painter known for his urban scenes. Created around the turn of the 20th century, the sketch titled "Gezicht op het Damrak te Amsterdam bij avond" (View of the Damrak in Amsterdam in the evening) shows two quick drafts in pencil on paper. The artist likely captured the essence of the Damrak, a bustling canal in Amsterdam, in this loose and gestural drawing. While it might be a fleeting observation, it reveals Breitner's artistic process of building a scene through fragmented lines. This study, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, provides insight into the artist's creative process, showcasing his interest in capturing the energy of Amsterdam's cityscape.