Stadsgezicht 1888

George Hendrik Breitner made this cityscape drawing with pencil. Its composition, dominated by a network of lines that define the urban architecture, immediately draws the eye. The delicate shading and varied line weights create a sense of depth and perspective, evoking a palpable atmosphere of urban life. Breitner's structural approach reflects a modernist interest in the underlying framework of the city. His choice to leave the drawing in a preliminary state reveals the artist's process, focusing on the essential elements of form and space. We can see that the figures are only indicated by lines, and the artist is more interested in the structure of the buildings. This method challenges traditional notions of representation, emphasizing the structural components that constitute our perception and understanding of the urban environment. The drawing embodies the transient, ever-evolving character of the city, captured through the dynamism of line and form. Breitner invites us to look beyond the surface, appreciating the aesthetic and philosophical dimensions inherent in his vision.