Stadsgezicht 1880 - 1882

George Hendrik Breitner sketched this cityscape, likely in Amsterdam, using pencil on paper. Breitner lived during a time of rapid urbanization and industrial expansion in Europe, and he was known for capturing the gritty realities of urban life, and the working class. In this sketch, Breitner uses stark lines to depict the rough textures of the building, offering a glimpse into the everyday life of the city. The perspective suggests he might be recording what he saw on the go. Breitner sought to break away from romanticized depictions, focusing on the social and economic conditions of the rapidly changing city. Breitner aimed to capture "the appearance of our time" in his work. This drawing may seem simple, but it’s evocative, asking us to consider the complex layers of identity, class, and history embedded in the urban landscape.