Studie, mogelijk van schepen Possibly 1882 - 1886

George Hendrik Breitner created this sketch, possibly of ships, using graphite on paper. Breitner was known for his depictions of working-class life in Amsterdam during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His interest in capturing everyday scenes reflects a broader cultural shift towards realism. This aesthetic was influenced by social and political changes, including the rise of industrialization and the growing visibility of the working class. Breitner sought to represent the lives and experiences of ordinary people, often focusing on the urban environment and the working conditions of laborers. Breitner's work invites us to consider the social dynamics of his time. It presents a view of the city that acknowledges the presence and struggles of those often overlooked in more traditional art forms. It encourages us to reflect on our own relationship to the urban landscape and the people who inhabit it.