Studies, onder andere van schepen 1881 - 1883

George Hendrik Breitner made these sketches of ships, among other subjects, with pencil on paper. Breitner was working in the Netherlands during a period of rapid industrialization and urbanization. His work often captured the everyday life of the working class in Amsterdam, and you can see him here grappling with the rapidly changing landscape. Consider the cultural context of the late 19th century: the rise of photography, impressionism, and a growing interest in portraying modern life. How might these factors have influenced Breitner's choice of subject matter and his sketching style? As historians, we can delve into archives, letters, and period publications to understand Breitner's world. Understanding the social and institutional context helps us appreciate the meaning and significance of art like this that at first glance may seem simple.