Gebouwen 1880 - 1882

"Gebouwen," or "Buildings," is a sketch made with graphite on paper by George Hendrik Breitner. Breitner, who lived from 1857 to 1923, was a Dutch painter known for his realistic depictions of city life. This sketch offers a glimpse into Breitner's artistic process. During the late 19th century, Amsterdam was undergoing rapid urbanization, reflecting significant shifts in the social and economic structures of the time. Breitner, influenced by the rise of photography, aimed to capture fleeting moments of everyday life. This sketch is devoid of the romanticism often associated with landscape art. Instead, the buildings are presented in their stark reality. Breitner once said, "Painting is seeing and thinking with your eyes," emphasizing his commitment to observing the world around him. "Gebouwen" invites us to consider the impact of urban development on the human experience. It captures a moment in time that reflects both the progress and the alienation of modern life.