Gezicht in Amsterdam 1896 - 1897

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of Amsterdam in pencil, but its date is unknown. Breitner was known for capturing the everyday life of Amsterdam, often focusing on the working class and urban scenes. In this sketch, we see a quick, almost fleeting impression of the city. The loose lines and unfinished quality give us insight into Breitner's working methods. Unlike the highly finished salon paintings that dominated the art world at the time, Breitner embraced a more spontaneous approach, reflecting the rapidly changing modern world. Breitner was associated with the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, which sought to depict the immediate sensory experience of modern life. They were influenced by developments in photography, and this sketch may have served as a preparatory study for a larger painting. Archival records, letters, and contemporary reviews can provide insight into the social and institutional factors that shaped Breitner's artistic practice. This sketch, therefore, offers a glimpse into the artist's process and the broader cultural context of the late 19th century.