Schepen bij de Barentszkade te Amsterdam c. 1892 - 1923

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of ships at Barentszkade in Amsterdam with charcoal on paper. Charcoal, a humble material, allows for a range of dark tones and textures, here capturing the industrial pulse of the city. Breitner's loose strokes define the ships, quays, and buildings, emphasizing their forms but also suggesting constant movement and activity. The speed of the medium suits the subject. But why charcoal? Well, it's cheap, immediate, and portable. These qualities suggest Breitner's interest in documenting working-class life without the polish of academic painting. The sketch captures a moment in time, hinting at the labor involved in maritime trade and the constant flow of goods that fueled Amsterdam's economy. By choosing charcoal, Breitner elevates the everyday, blurring the line between fine art and the gritty realities of urban life.