Gezicht in Amsterdam 1886 - 1898

George Hendrik Breitner sketched this view of Amsterdam with graphite on paper. It's a quick study, capturing the essence of the city's architecture. The artist's hand is evident in the varying pressure of the graphite, creating depth and shadow with simple lines. You can see the texture of the paper itself through the sketch, a reminder of the directness of the artist's process. This wasn't about creating a polished artwork; it was about observing, recording, and understanding the urban landscape. Breitner's choice of materials and his rapid execution speak to a changing world, one where artists were no longer simply commissioned for grand historical paintings, and this more informal approach allowed him to capture the reality of everyday life in a rapidly industrializing city. By valuing the sketch as a form of art, Breitner elevates the ordinary and challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.