Stadsgezicht en een man, in profiel 1880 - 1882

George Hendrik Breitner created this sketch, "Stadsgezicht en een man, in profiel," using graphite on paper. Breitner was a key figure in the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, known for capturing the gritty reality of urban life. This sketch gives us a glimpse into Breitner’s artistic process, his interest in the fleeting moments of everyday life. The quick, loose lines suggest a sense of immediacy, as if Breitner were trying to capture a scene before it disappeared. Consider the figures that populate the city: their class, gender, and purpose, all caught in Breitner's transient strokes. What can this tell us about life in Amsterdam at the time, its rapid changes, and the various identities that shaped its culture? It’s a study of light and shadow and a meditation on modern life.