Gezicht in Amsterdam, mogelijk de Dam c. 1902 - 1914

This is George Hendrik Breitner's sketch of a view in Amsterdam, possibly the Dam Square, rendered with pencil on paper. The sketch presents a composition dominated by linear forms that intersect to create a sense of depth. The dark lines define architectural shapes, giving structure to the buildings. Breitner's choice of stark lines against the paper evokes an emotional response that reflects the changing perceptions of urban life. This drawing destabilizes traditional notions of beauty, echoing a theme found in structuralist thought, which posits that underlying structures shape our perception of reality. The sketch challenges fixed meanings, suggesting a world in flux. Notice how the artist used the starkness of the pencil lines to convey not just form, but also the rapid changes of perception and representation. The sketch functions both as a record and as a challenge to the established ways of seeing and interpreting the world around us.