Gezicht in Amsterdam nabij de Helmersbuurt c. 1891 - 1894

This is a pencil drawing titled 'Gezicht in Amsterdam nabij de Helmersbuurt' by George Hendrik Breitner. Breitner was an important figure in the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, capturing the dynamic, everyday life of the city during a time of rapid social and economic change in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Breitner, deeply interested in the lives of ordinary people, especially the working class, often depicted street scenes, laborers, and the bustling activity of Amsterdam. His commitment to Realism led him to capture the raw, unfiltered reality of urban life. The sketch appears unfinished, which may reflect Breitner's wish to show a glimpse of contemporary life. This approach can be understood as a democratizing force in art, shifting focus away from traditional, idealized subjects to the reality of everyday experience. This drawing invites us to reflect on the lives and experiences of the individuals who shaped the city's identity. Breitner captured moments in time, and gives us an image of a world that was, which encourages us to reflect on the ever-changing nature of cities and the lives of their inhabitants.