Who painted The Rokin in Amsterdam?

The Rokin in Amsterdam was painted by George Hendrik Breitner in 1897-01-01.

Where can I see The Rokin in Amsterdam?

The Rokin in Amsterdam is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is The Rokin in Amsterdam?

The Rokin in Amsterdam is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of The Rokin in Amsterdam?

Museum-quality prints of The Rokin in Amsterdam are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Rokin in Amsterdam

George Hendrik Breitner , 1899

The Rokin in Amsterdam is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist George Hendrik Breitner. It dates from 1899 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The subject matter is strictly representational, centering on the physical structures and the canal setting rather than symbolic or allegorical narratives.

The Rokin in Amsterdam depicts a specific urban scene along the Rokin canal in Amsterdam. As a cityscape, the work focuses on the architectural presence of houses lining the waterway. Created by George Hendrik Breitner in 1897, the painting captures the built environment of the Dutch capital during the late nineteenth century.

The subject matter is strictly representational, centering on the physical structures and the canal setting rather than symbolic or allegorical narratives.

Technique & Style

The Rokin in Amsterdam is an oil painting executed on canvas, reflecting Breitner's cityscape genre. The work measures 97 cm in height and 127 cm in width, created in Amsterdam in 1897. Its formal qualities include a realistic urban composition with attention to architectural detail and atmospheric effects characteristic of late 19th-century Dutch painting.

Overview

George Hendrik Breitner’s 1899 oil canvas captures a stretch of Amsterdam’s Rokin canal, depicting a narrow row of multicolored townhouses flanking the water. The scene is animated by a modest crowd strolling along the street and a low, arched bridge spanning the canal. The work belongs to the Rijksmuseum’s collection and exemplifies the artist’s focus on everyday urban environments.

History & Provenance

Created at the close of the 19th century, the painting reflects Breitner’s practice of using photography as a preparatory tool for on‑site studies. After its completion, the canvas entered the holdings of the Rijksmuseum, where it remains on view as part of the museum’s representation of Dutch urban painting from the period.