Twee gezichten in Amsterdam 1898 - 1902

George Hendrik Breitner captured these sketches in Amsterdam using graphite on paper. Breitner, living between 1857 and 1923, was a Dutch painter and photographer known for his depictions of urban life. These sketches offer us a glimpse into Breitner's process and the Amsterdam he experienced. During this period, Amsterdam was a city undergoing rapid social and economic changes. As you observe the strokes of the graphite, consider the social dynamics of Amsterdam at the time. Breitner's work often focused on the lives of ordinary people, especially the working class. These sketches likely capture his observations of daily life on the streets and waterways of Amsterdam, revealing his fascination with the city's energy. The sketches, in their simplicity, evoke a sense of immediacy, almost as if we are standing alongside the artist as he captures these fleeting moments. They offer an intimate view into Breitner's world, one deeply rooted in the socio-economic realities of his time.