Gezicht op gebouwen aan het water 1880 - 1882

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of buildings by the water with graphite on paper. The quick strokes capture the essence of the architecture and hint at the bustling life around the waterway. The graphite lines, applied with varying pressure, create depth and shadow. Note how Breitner uses the bare minimum of strokes to define the structures, conveying a sense of immediacy, as if he captured the scene in a fleeting moment. The sketchbook format suggests a portable practice, bringing art into daily life. This work exists in a context of rapid urbanization and industrialization. The artist's choice to capture a scene with such immediacy reflects a modern sensibility, challenging the tradition of meticulously rendered landscapes. Breitner wasn't just depicting buildings; he was documenting the changing face of a city, celebrating the beauty of everyday life through accessible materials and techniques.