Gezicht op het Leidseplein in Amsterdam c. 1890 - 1910

This photograph, titled "Gezicht op het Leidseplein in Amsterdam," was taken by George Hendrik Breitner, a Dutch artist who lived from 1857 to 1923. Breitner, who embraced photography in the late 1890s, captured Amsterdam during a period of rapid social and technological change. His work provides a window into the lives of ordinary people amidst the urban landscape. Here, we see the Leidseplein, likely during winter, with a horse-drawn tram as a focal point. Breitner's photographs and paintings often depicted working-class subjects, conveying a sense of realism. His approach humanized those often overlooked by traditional art. He was interested in capturing fleeting moments and the gritty, unglamorous side of city life. As Breitner himself stated, "I see beauty in the streets." The photograph serves as a historical document and a social commentary, inviting us to reflect on the everyday experiences of individuals navigating the evolving urban environment of Amsterdam.