Stadsgezicht met figuren c. 1886 - 1890

George Hendrik Breitner made this city scene with figures, or ‘Stadsgezicht met figuren’, using graphite. This image is more than just a snapshot of urban life, it captures a moment in time, reflecting the changing social landscape of the Netherlands in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Breitner was known for his unvarnished depictions of Amsterdam, and this drawing encapsulates his commitment to portraying the city as it was actually experienced. The rough, sketch-like quality suggests an interest in capturing the fleeting nature of modern life. To truly understand Breitner's work, we need to consider the social conditions that shaped his artistic vision. Archival sources such as letters, exhibition reviews, and sociological studies of Amsterdam at the time provide valuable insight. These resources help us understand the role of art as something firmly rooted in the everyday.