Rietstengels Possibly 1883 - 1886

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, Rietstengels, the Dutch word for Reeds, in the late 19th or early 20th century. Breitner was a flâneur of sorts, wandering the streets of Amsterdam, documenting the lives of the working class. This particular sketch seems a bit of a departure from his usual subject matter, however. Instead of the hustle and bustle of city life, we see a quiet, almost desolate landscape. The reeds, rendered in quick, almost frantic lines, suggest a sense of isolation. It makes me wonder about Breitner's state of mind when he created this work. Was he seeking refuge from the city? Or was he drawn to the reeds for their symbolic value; perhaps they represented resilience or the ability to bend without breaking? In a society undergoing rapid industrialization, such natural imagery held a potent symbolism. It’s a stark contrast to the urban scenes he’s known for, yet deeply resonant with the emotional undercurrents of his time.