Gezicht in Amsterdam met een rijtuig c. 1886s

George Hendrik Breitner made this drawing of a view in Amsterdam with a carriage. Breitner lived and worked in Amsterdam during a time of rapid urbanization and social change. This sketch provides insight into his artistic process. He captured fleeting moments and everyday scenes of urban life. Notice the stark contrast between the industrializing city and the traditional horse-drawn carriage. Breitner’s personal experiences as an artist navigating a changing society are reflected in the raw, unfinished quality of this sketch, offering us a glimpse into a world on the brink of transformation. The image of the carriage becomes more than just a mode of transport. It symbolizes a connection to the past amidst the rise of modernity, reflecting both the progress and the nostalgia of a society grappling with its identity.