Grote poort van het Begijnhof te Amsterdam, gezien vanuit de Begijnhofsteeg c. 1906 - 1923

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of the Great Gate of the Begijnhof in Amsterdam using graphite. The Begijnhof, a courtyard of almshouses, offered a haven from the bustling city and its sketch hints at ideas of community and sanctuary. Breitner was very interested in capturing the everyday life of the city, he often chose subjects that highlighted the ordinary, and sometimes overlooked aspects of urban existence. Amsterdam in Breitner’s time was undergoing rapid social and economic change. His sketch highlights the contrast between old and new. In focusing on the Begijnhof, he draws attention to the historical and social structures of Amsterdam. To better understand Breitner’s Amsterdam, researchers can consult period newspapers, city records, and social surveys. This drawing gives a glimpse into the artist's world and reminds us that art's meaning is always closely tied to its social and historical context.