Gezicht op een steeg in Amsterdam 1896 - 1901

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of a street in Amsterdam with graphite on paper. You can see the ruled lines of the paper through the drawing itself, a reminder of its material grounding. What is most interesting to me about this work is how it embraces the everyday. The artist did not seek out expensive materials, but rather made do with what was at hand. The looseness of the graphite lines give the impression of immediacy. The artist was not precious about the drawing but wanted to capture a fleeting glimpse. This work challenges traditional distinctions between high art and craft. Is it a finished artwork, or simply a sketch? What is clear is the artist’s interest in depicting everyday life. By embracing the ordinary, Breitner elevates the lives of ordinary people. He invites us to reconsider the value of the everyday, and to appreciate the beauty that can be found in the most unexpected places.