Artwork
The Rokin, Amsterdam
The Rokin, Amsterdam is an oil painting by George Hendrik Breitner. It dates from 1923 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
The Rokin, Amsterdam, a 1923 wood painting by George Hendrik Breitner, captures a serene urban moment. Characteristic of Breitner's cityscape genre, it depicts two individuals walking alongside two horses against a backdrop of simple, flat-roofed buildings.
Subject & Meaning
The scene conveys a sense of everyday life in Amsterdam, emphasizing atmosphere over meticulous detail. The inclusion of horses and pedestrians suggests a focus on the tranquil coexistence of human and animal activity in an urban setting.
Technique & Style
Executed with loose, quick brushstrokes, the painting adopts a sketchy, rough aesthetic. A muted color palette of browns, whites, and grays dominates, with the darker brown of the horses providing subtle contrast. Breitner's approach prioritizes capturing the mood of the moment.
History & Provenance
Created in 1923 by Breitner, a figure associated with Amsterdam Impressionism, The Rokin, Amsterdam is now part of the Rijksmuseum's collection.
Context
Reflecting Breitner's practice of working en plein air and occasionally using photography to study atmospheric effects (like rain), this work, however, does not prominently feature such effects, instead focusing on a clear, everyday scene.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
George Hendrik Breitner (12 September 1857 – 5 June 1923) was a Dutch painter and photographer.
