Gezicht op de Torensluis over het Singel te Amsterdam 1892 - 1900

This is George Hendrik Breitner’s sketch of the Torensluis over the Singel in Amsterdam. Breitner, who lived from 1857 to 1923, worked during a time when Amsterdam was undergoing rapid urbanization and social change. As an artist, Breitner was particularly interested in capturing the everyday life of the working class. His sketches, like this one, reflect his desire to document the changing urban landscape and the experiences of the people living within it. The quick, energetic strokes give us the feeling of a city in constant motion. Breitner's work often focused on the experiences of marginalized communities. His images captured the realities of ordinary people and offered a glimpse into their lives. In his own words, he wanted to depict "the people in the streets, in their daily activities." This sketch invites us to consider how urban environments shape individual and collective experiences. It serves as a reminder of the importance of documenting and understanding the diverse stories that make up the fabric of a city.