Stadsgezicht, mogelijk de Geldersekade te Rotterdam 1893 - 1894

George Hendrik Breitner sketched this cityscape, possibly of the Geldersekade in Rotterdam, using graphite on paper. The composition presents a fragmented, almost Cubist-like view of the urban landscape, emphasizing structure over realistic representation. Breitner’s use of hatching and cross-hatching creates a sense of depth and volume, while also breaking down the scene into a series of planes. Notice how the lines and shapes seem to float on the page, almost independent of each other. The sketch challenges our perception of space and form, reflecting a shift towards abstraction that was occurring at the time. The use of line becomes a dominant feature, questioning traditional ways of seeing and representing the world. This deliberate disruption invites us to reconsider our own assumptions about the relationship between art and reality.