George Hendrik Breitner
(1857-1923)
The Construction of Amsterdam-Zuid, the Rijksmuseum and Concertgebouw in the Distance
Signed lower right
Oil on panel, 55.4 x 78.6 cm
Provenance:
Private collection, the Netherlands
Note:
Fascinated by construction sites, George Hendrik Breitner was a master at portraying the city in transition. Of the many photographs and paintings he made of building areas, this present lot is particularly remarkable and unique in its kind, because Amsterdam's most celebrated and culturally significant monuments are depicted.

The construction of the Amsterdam Royal Concertgebouw, the white building to the right of the centre, began in 1883 in a pasture that was, at that time, situated outside of the city centre. This took place one year after the official opening of the Rijksmuseum, which is depicted on the right side of the horizon.

This painting gives an accurate and unique view of how the two historic buildings rose above the meadows; the area which is now known as Amsterdam-Zuid.
* Condition report available upon request