Huizen tegen de Nieuwe Kerk te Amsterdam, gezien vanaf de Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 1898

George Hendrik Breitner made this drawing, "Huizen tegen de Nieuwe Kerk te Amsterdam, gezien vanaf de Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal," using pencil on paper. Breitner lived through the profound social changes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period marked by rapid urbanization and industrialization. This sketch gives us insight into Breitner’s approach to capturing the essence of Amsterdam. Known for his interest in the working class and urban life, Breitner often depicted scenes that reflected the everyday realities of the city's inhabitants. His work provides an intimate glimpse into the lives of ordinary people amidst the backdrop of a rapidly changing urban environment. It's as if Breitner sought to document the emotional resonance of the city, revealing its complexities and contradictions. This drawing is not just a depiction of buildings, but also reflects the lived experiences of individuals within a specific historical moment.