Gezicht in Amsterdam 1896 - 1897

This is a sketch of a view in Amsterdam by George Hendrik Breitner. Breitner lived from 1857 to 1923, he was a Dutch painter and photographer known for his depictions of city life. Breitner was a key figure in the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, which focused on capturing the everyday experiences of the urban population. His work often depicted the working class and marginalized communities in Amsterdam. Breitner once said, "I don't prettify; I paint what I see." His work has been critiqued for presenting the city in a manner that did not foreground the harsh realities many faced. This sketch offers a glimpse into Breitner’s artistic process. You can see the quick, expressive lines capturing the architectural essence and ambiance of Amsterdam. The sketch provides a raw immediacy, a sense of the artist’s direct engagement with his surroundings. The choice of subject matter can be seen as Breitner's effort to give visibility to the ordinary, to find beauty and significance in the mundane aspects of urban life.