Huizen tegen de Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam 1890

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of Houses against the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam using graphite on paper, during the late 19th or early 20th century. The image is a quick impression of the urban landscape, capturing the contrast between domestic architecture and the towering presence of the Nieuwe Kerk. Made in the Netherlands, a country known for its mercantile prowess, this sketch reflects the social conditions of a rapidly urbanizing society. Breitner was known for his interest in depicting the everyday life of the working class in Amsterdam. The sketch provides a glimpse into the cultural landscape of the time, where the traditional values represented by the church coexisted with the burgeoning modern life of the city. Art historians consult city archives, period newspapers, and other visual sources to better understand Breitner's work. Through these resources, art offers us valuable perspectives on the ever-evolving interplay between society and its institutions.