Gezicht in Amsterdam, mogelijk bij de Prinseneilandsgracht 1907 - 1909

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of a scene in Amsterdam, possibly near the Prinseneilandsgracht, using graphite. As a sketch, it gives us a direct view into the artist’s practice, a moment in which he’s making preparations for a painting, or simply observing the world around him. Breitner was a prominent figure in the Amsterdam Impressionism movement of the late 19th century. He was known for capturing the gritty reality of urban life. In that period Amsterdam was undergoing rapid industrialization and urbanization, leading to social changes and challenges that Breitner often depicted in his art. We might consider this sketch in relation to institutions like the Amsterdam Academy, where Breitner was trained. We can then ask: How did his training shape the way he saw and represented the city? Art history gives us the tools to understand the cultural and historical context, using sources such as letters, exhibition reviews, and social histories of Amsterdam to deepen our understanding.