Gezicht op de Prinsengracht te Amsterdam tussen de Lauriergracht en de Rozengracht c. 1886 - 1891

George Hendrik Breitner sketched ‘View of the Prinsengracht in Amsterdam between the Lauriergracht and the Rozengracht’ using pencil on paper. Breitner was known for capturing the everyday life of Amsterdam. Here, he sketches the heart of the city. The image shows a society in transition, with the rise of the working class and the expansion of urban centers. Breitner lived amongst those he painted, his vision shaped by his own experiences of a rapidly changing society, he turned away from traditional painting, seeking a more authentic representation of modern life. The sketch feels intimate and immediate, less posed. Breitner captures a sense of the city's energy and movement. This piece provides us with a glimpse into the past and into the everyday lives of people, a reminder of the shared human experiences that connect us across time.