Schepen 1867 - 1923

George Hendrik Breitner created "Schepen" with a black crayon on paper. Breitner was known for capturing the bustling city life of Amsterdam during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His work provides insights into the social dynamics of the Netherlands, reflecting the rapid urbanization and industrialization of the time. Here we see an intimate glimpse into the maritime culture, with the ships rendered in soft, blurred strokes, almost as if the scene is veiled by the mists of memory. Breitner captures the working class who occupied this landscape and whose livelihoods were tied to these vessels. The sketch invites us to reflect on themes of labor, migration, and the relationship between people and their environment. Breitner's impressionistic style here mirrors the transient nature of urban life. It encourages us to think about the lives of those who traversed these waterways.