Gezicht op gebouwen 1881 - 1883

George Hendrik Breitner made this pencil drawing, "Gezicht op gebouwen," or "View of Buildings," at an unknown date, as a study or preparation for a future piece. Breitner was part of a late 19th century movement called the Amsterdam Impressionists. This sketch showcases a particular aesthetic approach, one which valued the spontaneous and unrefined. Breitner's loose lines and unfinished quality emphasizes the transient nature of urban life. Amsterdam, during Breitner's time, was undergoing rapid industrialization and urbanization. The city was a site of intense social and economic change, with new buildings going up all the time. Breitner captures this sense of constant construction and transformation. The buildings depicted here seem temporary and incomplete, reflecting a city in flux. Understanding this work requires looking into the economic conditions of Amsterdam at the time. Archival documents, newspapers, and other sources can help us better understand the city's social and institutional history.