Gezicht op een brug over een gracht in Amsterdam 1895 - 1898

George Hendrik Breitner captured this view of a bridge over an Amsterdam canal with a pencil on paper. Breitner was a contemporary of Vincent van Gogh and, like him, was deeply interested in representing modern life. During the late 19th century, Amsterdam was undergoing rapid urbanization and industrialization. Breitner, choosing to focus on the working class, felt a strong connection to the city and its people. He was known for his ability to capture the gritty, everyday realities of urban existence. He stated, “I see beauty in street life… I am only an eye.” This sketch gives us a glimpse into Breitner's artistic process. The loose lines and unfinished quality create a sense of immediacy, as if we are standing alongside the artist, observing the scene unfold. It’s a moment of connection, a chance to reflect on the ever-changing nature of our cities and our lives within them.