Brug op de hoek van de Keizersgracht en de Lauriergracht te Amsterdam c. 1886 - 1891

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketchbook drawing of a bridge in Amsterdam with graphite on paper. The apparent quickness of the marks suggests that the artist was most interested in capturing the scene, and that he likely made the sketch on site, en plein air. The texture of the paper and softness of the graphite allowed the artist to quickly lay down his observations. See how the lines are rough and uneven, almost as if Breitner was racing against the changing light or weather. The drawing, with its unassuming materials, gives us a glimpse into the artist’s working process, and into the everyday life of Amsterdam at the time. What might seem like a simple sketch is, in fact, a testament to the value of craft, reminding us that even preliminary studies can offer profound insights into the intersection of art, labor, and place.