Landschap 1881 - 1883

George Hendrik Breitner created this landscape sketch in the Netherlands, though the exact date is unknown. But Breitner was known for his interest in capturing the fleeting moments of everyday life, often focusing on the urban environment of Amsterdam, so why this move to landscape? In the late 19th century, landscape painting was a well-established genre within the art academy and the art market. But Breitner's sketch, with its loose lines and unfinished quality, seems to challenge these conventions. It's as if he's searching for something beyond the picturesque scenes. Was he attempting to find new forms of social and artistic expression? To understand Breitner's motivations better, it would be fascinating to examine his complete body of work, along with exhibition records and the critical response to his art. This could illuminate the public role of his art and its place in Dutch society.