Gezicht op een straat 1881 - 1883

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of a street view with graphite on paper. Breitner was a prominent figure in the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, known for his raw and unidealized depictions of urban life. The sketch itself provides a glimpse into the artist's working process. This work likely functioned as a preliminary study for a larger painting. Breitner’s choice to represent the gritty reality of the streets, rather than idealized landscapes, reflects the broader social and political concerns of artists in the late 19th century. He was part of a wave of artists interested in depicting modern life, including its less glamorous aspects. To truly understand this sketch, one might consult archival materials, exhibition catalogs, and contemporary reviews. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.