Gezicht op een straat in Amsterdam met een toren c. 1914s

This is a sketch of an Amsterdam street with a tower, made by George Hendrik Breitner, using graphite on paper. The inherent qualities of graphite—its softness and the ease with which it glides across the paper—are evident in the swift, decisive lines that define the architectural forms. The texture of the paper itself, slightly rough, adds depth to the drawing. The artist's hand is palpable here. There's a raw immediacy to the work, a sense of direct engagement with the urban landscape. The sketch feels like a fleeting impression, captured on the go. While this is “just” a sketch, consider the labor it represents – not just the artist’s, but the city itself, built brick by brick. This drawing reminds us that even the simplest materials, when wielded with skill and vision, can offer profound insights into our shared world. It challenges the traditional hierarchy between sketch and finished artwork.