Gezicht op gebouwen in Amsterdam 1896 - 1901

This sketch by George Hendrik Breitner offers a glimpse of Amsterdam through the lens of rapid, informal observation. Using graphite on paper, Breitner captures the essence of the city’s architecture, focusing on basic forms and tonal contrasts. The composition is divided loosely into two parts by the sketchbook's spine, with the left side showing buildings in the distance and the right depicting closer architectural details in darker, more assertive strokes. Breitner’s use of line is particularly striking, as short, hatched marks define shapes and create shadows. The texture of the paper itself becomes part of the artwork, adding depth and an immediacy to the scene. In its incompleteness, this work challenges conventional ideas of finished art. It invites viewers to consider the sketch not merely as a preliminary study, but as a valuable expression of artistic process.