Landschap 1884 - 1886

George Hendrik Breitner made this landscape drawing with pencil on paper. Breitner was a key figure in the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, which focused on depicting everyday city life and landscapes. Breitner's work often captures the atmosphere of a rapidly modernizing Amsterdam and the emotional experience of living amidst urban change. Breitner was interested in representing the realities of modern life, including its gritty and unglamorous aspects. His choice of subjects—working-class people, street scenes, and construction sites—reflected a shift away from traditional landscape and portraiture towards a more socially engaged form of art. This approach aligns with broader cultural movements which sought to challenge established norms and address issues of class, labor, and urbanization. The sketch invites us to consider the relationship between nature and industrialization, and how these landscapes shape our identities and experiences.