Gezicht op gebouwen 1881 - 1883

This is George Hendrik Breitner’s sketch of buildings held at the Rijksmuseum. Breitner lived during a time of immense social and political upheaval, particularly in relation to class structures. As an artist, Breitner was fascinated by the lives of ordinary people, and he sought to capture the essence of urban life in Amsterdam. Although class is not explicitly present, the sketch captures a glimpse into the urban landscape that housed a diverse population. Breitner’s interest in realism places emphasis on documenting the everyday, which offers a look into the buildings that housed people from various socio-economic backgrounds. The architecture itself becomes a silent witness to the stories of its inhabitants, reflecting the city's evolving identity. Breitner once said that his goal was to "paint what I see and feel." This sketch, with its raw and unfiltered quality, allows us to connect with the artist's personal experience of the city. It’s not just about buildings; it’s about the lives lived within them.