Gevels c. 1903

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, called "Gevels," using graphite. Breitner was known for his gritty, impressionistic depictions of Amsterdam. But we can see in this sketch that he was also interested in architecture. "Gevels," meaning "facades," offers a glimpse into the urban landscape of the Netherlands, perhaps Amsterdam. The sketch’s stark lines and focus on the architectural exterior hint at the social structures embedded within the city's physical form. Made in a time of rapid urban expansion and social change, Breitner's drawing prompts us to consider the role of buildings in shaping the lives of inhabitants. Was he documenting the city's transformation, or critiquing the facelessness of urban life? Art historians piece together a richer understanding of works like this by looking into city archives, architectural plans, and social commentaries of the time. Art is a product of its cultural moment, and it takes research to understand what it might mean.