Bebouwing aan het water 1881 - 1883

George Hendrik Breitner made this pencil drawing, ‘Bebouwing aan het water’, probably in the late 19th or early 20th century. It's an evocative sketch capturing buildings along the waterfront. Breitner was known for his interest in the daily life of Amsterdam, and his work often depicted the working class. This drawing might seem simple, but it reflects a broader cultural shift in art. Artists began to focus on everyday subjects rather than grand historical or mythological scenes. This was part of a move to democratize art, making it more relevant to ordinary people. Breitner's impressionistic style captures the fleeting atmosphere of the city. As historians, we might look into city archives, old photographs, and social commentaries to understand how urban development affected social structures and the lives of the working class during Breitner's time. Art like this reminds us that its meaning is always tied to the social context in which it was created and viewed.