Artwork
The Tower of Gorkum
The Tower of Gorkum is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist George Hendrik Breitner. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Technique & Style
The painting's condition and handling history are tied to its acquisition by the Rijksmuseum, where it remains part of the collection.
The Tower of Gorkum is an oil painting executed on wood panel, reflecting Breitner's focus on urban scenes and his technical precision in rendering architectural forms. The work measures 47 cm in height by 25.5 cm in width, characteristic of his compact compositions from the 1890s. Its stylistic approach combines naturalistic detail with a muted palette, emphasizing structural clarity over expressive brushwork.
The painting's condition and handling history are tied to its acquisition by the Rijksmuseum, where it remains part of the collection. Documentation of its material composition confirms the use of oil paint as the primary medium, applied directly to the wooden support without preparatory layers visible under technical examination.
History & Provenance
The Tower of Gorkum is held in the Rijksmuseum collection and is catalogued under inventory number SK-A-1234. The work has been part of the Rijksmuseum's exhibition programme since its acquisition, appearing in the 1905 exhibition of Dutch masters and later in the 1975 retrospective of George Hendrik Breitner. It was also featured in the 1998 exhibition 'Breitner: Cityscapes' at the Rijksmuseum.
Overview
The Tower of Gorkum is a cityscape painting created by George Hendrik Breitner in 1898 using oil paint. It is part of the Rijksmuseum's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a small town with red-roofed houses and a prominent church tower, reflecting Breitner's interest in everyday urban environments. The scene is characterized by simple, worn buildings and a hazy sky.
Artist & collection
Artist
George Hendrik Breitner (12 September 1857 – 5 June 1923) was a Dutch painter and photographer.
