Gezicht op een stad aan het water 1880 - 1882

George Hendrik Breitner sketched "Gezicht op een stad aan het water" using graphite on paper. Breitner lived through a period of rapid urbanization and social change in the Netherlands. He was known for his ability to capture the atmosphere and character of Amsterdam. This quick sketch gives us insight into his process. The urban landscape is reduced to the most essential lines, capturing the spirit of the city rather than its precise details. Breitner’s sketch emphasizes the lived experience of the everyday person. He was interested in portraying the working class and the urban environment they inhabited. His work challenged traditional notions of beauty and artistic subject matter. Breitner’s sketch invites us to contemplate the relationship between urban development, social identity, and the individual's experience of the city. It serves as a reminder of the importance of art in reflecting and shaping our understanding of society.