Schets van een landweg 1867 - 1923

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of a country road in the Netherlands with crayon. It shows the scene in rapid strokes, as if he was trying to capture a fleeting impression. The drawing is evocative of the late 19th century, a time when Dutch artists were turning away from grand historical subjects to focus on everyday life and the landscape around them. Breitner was known for his depictions of Amsterdam, capturing the city's bustling streets and working-class neighborhoods. But here, he directs his gaze to the countryside. This shift reflects a broader cultural interest in rural life. It functioned as a space of authenticity in contrast to the rapidly industrializing urban centers. Breitner's sketch then, is not just a picture of a road, but a window into the changing values and concerns of Dutch society at the turn of the century. To fully appreciate this drawing, we might explore the social and economic conditions that shaped Breitner's world. By researching the period, we can better understand its significance.