Gezicht in de Van Lennepbuurt te Amsterdam c. 1900 - 1901

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of the Van Lennepbuurt in Amsterdam with graphite on paper. The choice of material and technique speaks volumes about the artist's approach. Unlike the meticulous, time-consuming labor often associated with traditional fine art, this sketch feels immediate, and spontaneous. The graphite lines capture the urban landscape with an efficiency that mirrors the rapid industrialization of the time. We see the built environment in the making. Breitner's choice of graphite, a readily available and relatively inexpensive material, further underscores the connection to everyday life. It's a medium that democratizes the artistic process, making it accessible and relatable to a wider audience. The fleeting quality of the sketch captures the transient nature of modern life. By embracing these materials and this approach, Breitner blurs the lines between high art and the gritty reality of the modern city.