Boot en bootonderdelen 1881 - 1883

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of boat parts, though when exactly we don't know. As a painter of city life, Breitner captured the pulse of Amsterdam, and his sketches offer us a glimpse into his creative process. These aren't polished illustrations, but rather raw, immediate impressions. Think about the rapidly industrializing society during Breitner’s time. The docks would have been filled with workers of different backgrounds. The maritime industry was male-dominated, yet these men's livelihoods depended greatly on their families. The lives of the working class are visible through Breitner's candid portrayal of everyday objects. We see boats – modes of transport and trade, but also symbols of connection and departure. The choice of such mundane subject matter reflects an interest in democratic themes, and it also opens up questions about labor, migration, and economic exchange.