The artwork “Amsterdam,” created by Oskar Kokoschka in 1925, is a remarkable representation within the Expressionist movement and falls under the cityscape genre. This piece of art captures the essence of Amsterdam with its vibrant and dynamic brushstrokes, which is a hallmark of Expressionism.
In the artwork, one can observe a view of Amsterdam’s iconic cityscape, characterized by a network of canals traversed by boats and lined with historical architecture. The artist employs a rich yet somewhat subdued color palette featuring mostly cool tones with occasional warm highlights on the buildings’ rooftops, which provide a striking contrast to the tranquil blue of the water. The perspective leads the viewer’s eye along the canal, pulling them into the depth of the scene, culminating in the distant bridge and the skyline punctuated by a towering structure on the right. The fluid, expressive brushwork evokes a sense of movement and liveliness, capturing the bustling ambiance of the city.