Gezicht in Amsterdam, mogelijk in de Van Lennepbuurt c. 1900 - 1901

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of a view in Amsterdam with graphite on paper, with an emphasis on the architecture of the Van Lennepbuurt neighborhood. The sketchiness of the graphite brings a sense of immediacy and raw observation, as the artist captures the city's urban landscape. The marks are economical, but effectively convey the weight of the buildings. The use of graphite as a medium is critical to how we perceive this artwork because it emphasizes its status as a study. This choice is significant, and aligns the work with traditional artistic practices of preparatory sketches. Graphite allows for easy revisions and quick notations and decisions, underlining the artist's thought process. Breitner's quick sketch serves as an observation into the labor, materials and processes involved in the construction of Amsterdam. By focusing on the materiality and production of the city itself, the artist invites us to consider the broader context of labor, urban development, and society.