Gezicht op huizen aan de Reguliersgracht in Amsterdam 1895 - 1898

This sketch of houses along the Reguliersgracht in Amsterdam was created by George Hendrik Breitner, an artist deeply invested in capturing the pulse of city life. Breitner lived through a period of rapid urban expansion and social change, and he was fascinated by the everyday experiences of ordinary people. His approach was markedly different from the idealized landscapes and portraiture prevalent at the time, instead focusing on the gritty realities of urban existence. The quick, almost journalistic quality of his sketches reflects his desire to document modern life authentically, without romanticism. This sketch provides a glimpse into Breitner's broader artistic project, which sought to challenge conventional representations and to elevate the experiences of the working class and marginalized communities in Amsterdam. It shows how Breitner captured the essence of a changing society, prompting us to consider the stories embedded within the buildings we pass by every day.