Gezicht op een aanlegplaats voor boten 1886 - 1923

This pencil sketch of a boat landing was made by George Hendrik Breitner sometime between 1880 and 1920. Breitner was a flâneur of sorts, known for capturing the dynamism of Amsterdam's streets, often turning his sketches into paintings later. This drawing, however, remains in its raw, immediate state, revealing something about the artist's process. Breitner belonged to a generation that embraced realism, turning away from romanticized depictions of the Dutch landscape to portray the everyday life of the working class. His commitment to portraying the city’s pulse connects him to broader social and political movements advocating for greater visibility and representation of marginalized communities. Consider the intimacy of this sketch, its casualness. It invites us to reflect on the labor and lives connected to these boats. Breitner's sketch isn't just a visual record; it's an intimate encounter with the city's hidden corners, imbued with the understated stories of those who navigate its waters.