Stadsgezicht c. 1886 - 1923

George Hendrik Breitner created this city view drawing with pencil and sanguine. Breitner belonged to a generation of artists in the Netherlands who responded to rapid urbanization and industrialization, making his work a critical reflection on the changing social landscape. The image is divided into two distinct sections. The upper part, in pencil, captures a cityscape, perhaps Amsterdam where Breitner spent much of his career. The lower part features abstract shapes, possibly studies of figures or landscapes. These rough sketches reveal the artist's process, offering a glimpse into his exploration of form and composition, while alluding to a sense of the modern city. To fully appreciate Breitner's contribution, one might explore archives, exhibition records, and period publications. In doing so, we recognize art's dependence on cultural conditions and its role in depicting social reality.