Figuren en gebouwen 1893

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketchbook page of charcoal drawings, titled “Figuren en gebouwen”, while living in Amsterdam. Breitner was known for capturing the city's bustling streets and working-class life with a raw, unflinching eye. Although the images here are fragmented, we can still get a sense of the artist's quick, impressionistic style. Breitner was deeply interested in representing the social realities of his time, and he often focused on the lives of ordinary people. His work provides a glimpse into the experiences of those living on the margins of society. Consider how Breitner's art contributes to a broader historical narrative, reflecting the social and political tensions of the late 19th century, and how the artist captured fleeting moments of everyday life. This image invites us to reflect on the lives and stories embedded within the urban landscape.