Nieuwe Kerk te Amsterdam, gezien vanaf de Dam c. 1900 - 1923

This sketch of the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam, viewed from the Dam Square, was made by George Hendrik Breitner using charcoal on paper. The immediacy of charcoal allows for quick, expressive marks, capturing the scene's essence with minimal detail. Breitner’s bold strokes convey the dynamic energy of urban life, a theme prevalent in his work. Charcoal as a medium lacks the preciousness of oil paint. It’s a working material. The choice of charcoal reflects a turn towards gritty realism, aligning with the social and political movements of the late 19th century. Artists began to move outside their studios, directly engaging with the world around them. Breitner was interested in recording modern life, the labour and work that sustained it, with the material qualities of the charcoal directly mirroring the industrial atmosphere of the city. By focusing on the directness of the medium, Breitner blurred traditional lines between fine art and everyday observation. He elevated the mundane to the realm of artistic commentary, inviting viewers to reconsider the value of the common and the working classes.