Architectuurstudie, mogelijk van een gebouw met een zolder 1893

George Hendrik Breitner created this architectural study in the late 19th or early 20th century using primarily graphite. Breitner was known for his depictions of Amsterdam and its working class, and his interest in capturing fleeting moments of everyday life. This sketch gives us insight into Breitner's artistic process, revealing the underpinnings of his more polished works. The scribbled lines and erasures speak to the artist's struggle to capture the essence of the building. He wasn't just recording bricks and mortar; he was trying to evoke a feeling, perhaps the melancholy of urban life he often portrayed. Breitner’s work invites us to consider the narratives embedded in the urban landscape and how they reflect on the lives of its inhabitants. He once said he wanted to capture "the gray, rainy Amsterdam." In this sketch, we can see him honing his ability to find beauty and meaning in the mundane. This close looking emphasizes the emotional connection that can be found even in the most ordinary of surroundings.