Schip in de Lauriergracht te Amsterdam c. 1890 - 1900

This is George Hendrik Breitner’s sketch, Schip in de Lauriergracht te Amsterdam, now housed in the Rijksmuseum. Breitner lived in Amsterdam during a period of significant social change. Breitner was known for capturing the dynamism of city life. His work offers us glimpses into the lives of ordinary people, including laborers and the working class, who were rarely the subjects of art at that time. Breitner himself said "I don't paint like Mesdag, I paint what I see," emphasizing his commitment to realism. This sketch gives us an intimate look at the maritime activities along Amsterdam’s canals. We see a ship, rendered with quick, decisive lines that convey the sense of movement and industry. Breitner’s work invites us to consider who is visible and valued in the historical record. How do artists choose their subjects, and what does this tell us about the prevailing social attitudes? This simple sketch invites us to reflect on the working lives of the people who powered Amsterdam’s economy.