An artwork on Galleree from Rijksmuseum.
About the artwork
The Singel Bridge at the Paleisstraat in Amsterdam, George Hendrik Breitner, 1898h 100cm × w 152cm × w 39.4kg
George Hendrik Breitner
oil on canvas
In a sunlit studio where art came to life, a painter named Breitner moved with purpose. His brushes dipped in vibrant colors danced across the canvas, channeling not just pigments, but the very essence of his subjects. Known for his innovative approach, he often turned to photography, gathering snapshots that would serve as guides for his mesmerizing creations.
One particular photograph caught his eye—a captivating image of a woman walking with poise, her gaze directed straight toward the viewer. It was as if she were stepping out of the frame, her presence bold and compelling. The way the image was cropped lent it a marvelous, almost cinematic quality, as if capturing a fleeting moment in time.
Originally, the woman was meant to embody the role of a maid, a mere figure in the backdrop of society. Yet, after a discouraging response from an art dealer—a man more concerned with convention than the enchanting narratives that art could tell—Breitner found himself at a crossroads. Instead of caving to criticism, he chose to transform her into something greater: a lady who commanded respect and attention.
With each stroke of his brush, he transformed her story. She became not just a figure in a painting, but a symbol of strength and dignity, stepping boldly forward in a world that often sidelined women. The painting radiated life, inviting every onlooker to ponder who this woman was and the stories she carried with her.
This journey of transformation, prompted by a simple photograph and a shift in perception, showcased Breitner's resilience and creative spirit. And in the end, just like the woman who emerged from the canvas, Breitner’s art wandered into new territories, echoing the power of story that resonates deep within all of us.
About the artist
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands. We tell the story of 800 years of Dutch history, from 1200 to now. We showcase over 8,000 works of art, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. In addition, we organize several exhibitions per year from our own collection and with (inter) national loans. In the Rijksmuseum you get to know the greatest works of art down to the smallest details.The artwork posted on this site is through the museum's public domain/CC0 data and does not imply endorsement.
Address: Museumstraat 1, Amsterdam, Netherlands
The best place to view Rijksmuseum‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.