Gezicht op een brug over een gracht c. 1886 - 1903

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of a bridge over a canal, in the Netherlands, at the turn of the 20th century. It's just lines on paper, but it provides insight into the public role of art. Breitner was known for capturing the everyday life of Amsterdam. At the time, the Netherlands was undergoing rapid urbanization and industrialization. Breitner, like many artists, turned his attention to the common people, the working class. You might ask, what is a sketch of a canal doing in a museum? The art market and museums elevate certain images and artworks. It reflects changing ideas about what is considered valuable or worthy of attention. Breitner sought to capture the fleeting moments of modern life, not just grand historical or mythological themes. To understand Breitner's work better, look to photographs, newspapers, and social surveys from that time. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.