Gezicht op de Theekoepel van Dominee Faassen de Heer te Scheveningen 1880 - 1882

This is George Hendrik Breitner’s charcoal sketch of the Theekoepel of Reverend Faassen de Heer in Scheveningen. Breitner, an Amsterdam Impressionist, was known for capturing the gritty reality of urban life. The late 19th century saw rapid social changes and the rise of the working class, and Breitner sought to portray this reality through his art. He was interested in photography as a tool for capturing fleeting moments and ordinary scenes. This interest translates into his sketches, which capture a sense of immediacy and movement. In this sketch, Breitner departs from traditional landscape paintings and instead offers a raw, unidealized depiction of the surroundings. The loose, gestural lines and stark contrasts create a sense of spontaneity, reflecting the artist's desire to capture the essence of a particular moment in time. There is an intimacy and informality in the work that invites the viewer to contemplate the complexities of modern life.