Stadsgezicht c. 1915 - 1916

George Hendrik Breitner sketched this city view with graphite on paper, giving us a glimpse into his urban surroundings. Notice the vertical thrust of the buildings, almost aggressively piercing the sky. This echoes the ancient obelisks, symbols of power and permanence. The buildings, however, lack the detailed finish, appearing almost skeletal, revealing an anxiety about progress. We see here not the celebration of modernity, but its restless energy. It is as if the artist is capturing the very pulse of the city, a heartbeat that resonates with the collective unconscious. This dynamic tension, this push and pull between progress and decay, is a recurring theme, a "pathos formula" that echoes through art history. Breitner's sketch invites us to reflect on the cyclical nature of urban life and the enduring human experience.