Nieuwe Teertuinen en de Prinseneilandsgracht te Amsterdam, gezien vanaf Prinseneiland c. 1898 - 1914

This is a pencil drawing of Nieuwe Teertuinen en de Prinseneilandsgracht in Amsterdam, by George Hendrik Breitner. The sketch gives us a glimpse into the working-class world of Amsterdam in the late 19th or early 20th century. Breitner, known for his interest in capturing the everyday life of the city, focuses here on the bustling activity around the canals. The loose lines and quick strokes suggest a rapidly changing urban environment, shaped by industry and trade. This area, the Prinseneiland, was historically a center for shipbuilding and related industries. Breitner’s choice of subject reflects a broader artistic movement towards realism and social commentary. Instead of idealizing the landscape, he captures the gritty reality of working life. The sketch hints at the economic forces at play in the city, as goods and people move through its waterways. To understand this work more fully, one could investigate the history of Amsterdam’s maritime industry and the social conditions of its working class. What can archival sources tell us about the lives of those who lived and worked in this area?