Amsterdamse gracht, gezien vanaf een brug c. 1915 - 1921

"Amsterdamse gracht, gezien vanaf een brug" (Amsterdam Canal, seen from a Bridge) is a pencil sketch by Dutch artist Willem Witsen, dated circa 1915-1921 and currently housed in the Rijksmuseum. The sketch captures the essence of Amsterdam's iconic canals with its characteristic simplicity and fleeting lines. Witsen's quick, almost gestural strokes evoke the movement of water and the atmosphere of a city in motion. His minimalist approach to composition and detail focuses the viewer's attention on the essential elements of the scene, inviting a personal interpretation of the urban landscape. This sketch is a fine example of Witsen's artistic style, which was characterized by the use of rapid sketches and expressive lines to capture the everyday beauty of his surroundings.