Gezicht op de Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal te Amsterdam met het Koninklijk Paleis c. 1886 - 1891

George Hendrik Breitner sketched this view of the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal in Amsterdam with the Royal Palace. Breitner was known for capturing the working class and urban life of Amsterdam during a period of rapid social and economic change. This sketch provides insight into Breitner's artistic process. You can almost feel him capturing a moment in time, quickly, as he focuses on the essence of the city rather than precise details. The Royal Palace in the background isn't the focus, but is depicted along with the more humble parts of the city. Breitner’s work often reflects on the contrasts within Dutch society. His involvement with the "Amsterdam Impressionism" movement meant focusing on everyday life and ordinary people. Here, the sketch is less about the grandeur of royalty and more about the energy of the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal.