The Singel Bridge at the Paleisstraat in Amsterdam

George Hendrik Breitner (1857–1923), oil on canvas, 1896; reworked 1898

Breitner often took photographs to prepare his paintings, and several such studies are known for this work. The way in which the woman walks straight towards us and the image is cropped strikes one as distinctly photographic. Breitner initially depicted the woman as a maid, but after a negative review, the gallery representing him felt it would be better if he made her into an elegant lady.

  • Artwork typepainting
  • Object numberSK-A-3580
  • Dimensionsheight 100 cm x width 152 cm, weight 39.4 kg