Studies, mogelijk onder andere van een metselverband c. 1909

This is a page of sketches by George Hendrik Breitner, who lived from 1857 to 1923. Breitner was a Dutch painter and photographer known for his depictions of urban life in Amsterdam. The sketch provides insight into Breitner's artistic process, capturing his initial observations and ideas. In the late 19th century, Amsterdam was undergoing rapid urbanization and industrialization, leading to significant social and economic changes. Breitner was interested in capturing the lives of ordinary people in this changing urban landscape. His work often focused on the working class and marginalized communities. He used photography extensively as a tool for documenting the city and informing his paintings. These preliminary sketches may have been preparation for larger works, capturing architectural details or structural elements that he would later incorporate into his paintings. It’s a way to connect with the past, and reflect on how cities evolve.