Rokin en de Oude Turfmarkt, gezien vanuit Rokin 112 c. 1900 - 1901

George Hendrik Breitner sketched this view of the Rokin and Oude Turfmarkt from Rokin 112 in Amsterdam. In the late 19th century, Breitner was known for his gritty depictions of urban life. This sketch gives us a glimpse into his working method: quickly capturing the essence of a scene. The Rokin, a bustling canal-side street, was undergoing significant changes at the time. Think of it as urban renewal. New buildings were erected, old ones demolished, and the city's infrastructure modernized. Breitner's sketch reflects this dynamic period, capturing a moment of transition. To fully understand Breitner's work, we need to look at the social and economic context of Amsterdam in the late 19th century. Archival photographs, newspapers, and city planning documents provide valuable information about the changing urban landscape and its impact on the lives of ordinary people. Breitner's art invites us to reflect on the past.