Gezicht op de Nieuwezijds Kapel aan het Rokin te Amsterdam c. 1905

George Hendrik Breitner sketched "Gezicht op de Nieuwezijds Kapel aan het Rokin te Amsterdam" in graphite, capturing a scene dominated by architectural elements. The scaffolding, rendered with bold lines, intersects with the chapel, creating a dynamic contrast between construction and permanence. Notice how the vertical lines mimic the reaching for the heavens. This composition echoes through art history, reminiscent of the Tower of Babel, symbolizing ambition and the human drive to connect with the divine. Yet, here, in Breitner’s sketch, it’s tempered with the stark reality of urban development. Consider, too, the rough strokes; they suggest the fleeting nature of progress, hinting at the psychological tension between the enduring spiritual quest and the transient nature of human endeavors. This tension engages us, stirring something deep within our collective memory. The sketch reminds us that symbols are not static. They evolve, resurface, and take on new meanings, influenced by the ever-changing tides of human experience.