Montmartre 1867 - 1923

George Hendrik Breitner created this sketch of Montmartre in Paris, using graphite. It's a quick study of a construction site, capturing the energy of urban development. Made in the late 19th century, this drawing reflects a period of rapid change in Paris. The city was undergoing massive reconstruction, modernizing its infrastructure and architecture. Breitner's choice to depict a construction site highlights the social and physical upheaval of this era. The faceless laborers suggest the human cost of progress. Breitner, a Dutchman, was drawn to the gritty realities of urban life. Unlike some of his contemporaries who focused on the beauty of the city, he often depicted working-class subjects and industrial scenes. His work encourages us to consider how art engages with the socio-economic conditions of its time. Detailed research into the urban planning of Paris, combined with Breitner’s biography, can deepen our understanding of this drawing. Examining similar works from the period can reveal broader trends in artistic responses to modernization.