Stadsgezicht aan het water, mogelijk het Spaarne te Haarlem 1912 - 1919

George Hendrik Breitner made this cityscape, possibly of the Spaarne in Haarlem, using graphite on paper. Looking at the sketch, the marks are direct, responsive, not labored. You can imagine the artist quickly capturing the essence of the scene. The soft graphite allows for a range of tonal values, from the dark, assertive lines defining the architecture to the delicate shading suggesting the water's surface and bare tree branches. The simplicity of the materials belies the skill required to create such a compelling image. Breitner was part of a generation that turned away from academic painting, and toward scenes of everyday life. Drawings like this one were a vital part of that project. We should recognize the labor involved, not just in Breitner’s artistic choices, but in the very existence of the buildings he depicts. Understanding the social context enriches our appreciation of the artwork, reminding us of the close relationship between art, labor, and society.