Studieblad met een ruiter in harnas, een straatlantaarn en mogelijk een architectuurstudie 1884 - 1886

George Hendrik Breitner created this sketch, "Studieblad met een ruiter in harnas, een straatlantaarn en mogelijk een architectuurstudie," at an unknown date. Breitner, who lived from 1857 to 1923, was known for capturing the gritty realities of urban life in Amsterdam during a period of rapid social and industrial change. This sketch gives us a glimpse into Breitner’s artistic process; his fascination with modernity is evident. The juxtaposition of a knight in armor, a symbol of a bygone era, with a modern streetlamp and architectural studies, speaks volumes. Breitner seems to be contemplating the relationship between the past and present and how tradition intersects with progress. He captures the essence of a society in transition. Consider Breitner's own words: "I see more beauty in a street scene than in a Rembrandt." This offers insight into his artistic vision. He wasn't interested in romanticizing the past but rather in documenting the world as he saw it. This sketch reflects a moment of contemplation and perhaps a subtle commentary on the evolving identity of a city and its people.