Gebouw c. 1883 - 1885

George Hendrik Breitner made this drawing, "Gebouw", using graphite. Breitner's impressionistic style often captured the gritty realities of urban life in the Netherlands. This sketch, possibly a preliminary study, offers a glimpse into the artist's process and his focus on architecture within a landscape. Made during a time of rapid urbanization, we might consider how the building—or "Gebouw"—symbolizes changing social structures and the transformation of the Dutch landscape. The loose, gestural lines and emphasis on light and shadow evoke a sense of transience and immediacy. Breitner, known for documenting the working class and marginalized communities, also engaged with the institutions of art through his involvement in artists' societies. By researching Breitner's involvement with Dutch artistic movements, as well as the social history of urban development in the Netherlands, we can better understand the cultural significance of this drawing. This work serves as a reminder that the meaning of art is deeply embedded in its historical and institutional context.