George Hendrik Breitner Dutch, 1857-1923

The panel is straight and solid. No retouches visible under UV-light. This work would benefit from cleaning.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

From the moment Breitner settled in Amsterdam in 1886, the city became his most important source of inspiration. The pulsing life in the city suited his life-long goal to become a painter of everyday reality. Already in 1882 he had voiced his wish to become 'le peintre du peuple'. In one of his letters to his mecenas A.P. van Stolk, Breitner stressed that his goal was to paint the ordinary people in the streets. Being the son of a Rotterdam grain merchant, he very much sided with the working class, which he depicted in a daring, sometimes even crude manner. He wished to paint everyday reality and thus became one of the pioneers of Dutch urban impressionism, better known as 'Amsterdam Impressionism'.

The present lot depicts a part of Amsterdam the artist knew very well. As a talented photographer, he documented the Eenhoornsluis in many photographs, all taken in the first quarter of 1909. The present lot can most probably be dated around that period.