Gezicht op de Stoelstraat in Antwerpen 1886 - 1908

This sketch of the Stoelstraat in Antwerp was made by George Hendrik Breitner, likely towards the end of the 19th century. Breitner’s impressionistic style is evident in the quick, suggestive lines that capture the essence of the urban scene. Breitner was a key figure in the Amsterdam Impressionism movement. His work often focused on the everyday life of the working class and the urban landscapes of the Netherlands. This particular sketch offers a glimpse into a specific street in Antwerp, and through it, we can infer aspects of the social and economic life of the time. The buildings, their architecture, and the street layout all speak to the urban planning and social stratification of Antwerp during that era. The sketch invites us to consider the city as a social space, shaped by economic forces, cultural norms, and institutional policies. To fully understand this work, one might delve into historical archives, maps, photographs, and other documentary sources that can illuminate the social and physical context of Breitner’s Antwerp. The meaning of this art lies in its connection to its time and place.