Gezicht op een straat met figuren 1880 - 1882

George Hendrik Breitner created this sketch of a street view with figures sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. Breitner, working during a period of rapid urbanization, was known for capturing the gritty realities of city life. This sketch provides a glimpse into Breitner's artistic process. As a contemporary of the Impressionists, he shared an interest in depicting fleeting moments and the effects of light. However, Breitner's work often carries a deeper social commentary. Here, the figures are rendered with minimal detail, almost anonymous, reflecting the alienation and social stratification characteristic of modern urban environments. His focus wasn't on the individual, but on the collective experience of urban life. Breitner once said he aimed to capture "the look and feel of the streets," which is evident in the raw, unfiltered portrayal here. Consider how Breitner's sketch captures the emotional landscape of a rapidly changing society. It's not just a street scene, but a reflection on the human condition within an industrialized world.