Figuren op het Leidseplein in Amsterdam, ter hoogte van het American Hotel 1896 - 1901

George Hendrik Breitner made this pencil drawing of figures on the Leidseplein in Amsterdam, near the American Hotel. Breitner’s work captures the spirit of the late 19th century in the Netherlands, a period of rapid social and economic change. Breitner's choice of subject matter and style reflects the changing social landscape of Amsterdam. In this sketch we see public life, a snapshot of a bustling city square. The figures are anonymous, caught in a moment, reflecting the growing anonymity of urban life. The loose, sketchy style conveys a sense of immediacy. This reflects the influence of Impressionism, a movement that sought to capture the fleeting moments of modern life. Breitner was also a photographer, and his paintings and drawings often have a snapshot-like quality, as though capturing a scene in passing. This suggests the changing nature of art, from grand historical themes to everyday life. Art historians use a range of resources to understand the context in which Breitner worked, including newspapers, photographs, and social histories. By examining these sources, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural forces that shaped Breitner's art.