Kermis op het Haarlemmerplein te Amsterdam c. 1903

This is George Hendrik Breitner's pencil drawing of the Kermis op het Haarlemmerplein in Amsterdam. Breitner, who lived from 1857 to 1923, captured a moment of public festivity. The late 19th century was a period of immense social change, with industrialization and urbanization rapidly transforming cities like Amsterdam. Public gatherings like the Kermis, or fair, were vital spaces for community interaction. These events served as a melting pot where people from different social strata came together. Breitner, known for his interest in everyday life, would have been drawn to such a dynamic scene. While the sketch provides only a glimpse, it hints at the social dynamics of the time, suggesting a shared experience that momentarily blurred the lines of class and background. It serves as a reminder of how leisure and public space can shape our collective identity.