Portret van een onbekende man 1893

This is a sketch of an unknown man by George Hendrik Breitner. Graphite on paper - simple materials, immediate process. It’s part of a sketchbook, a place for jotting down ideas, and practicing technique, which Breitner used to capture the world around him. The marks are quickly laid down. Loose lines define the man’s face, capturing a sense of his likeness with minimal effort. The artist has noted down a name and address alongside the portrait. This adds a layer of intimacy to the sketch. It’s more than just a study. It's a record of a fleeting encounter, a moment captured in time. Drawing is a fundamental skill, lying at the heart of art, design, and many other creative practices. In an era of mass production, these sketches remind us of the value of individual skill and the intimate connection between the artist's hand and the final image. It challenges our perception of what constitutes a finished work of art, inviting us to appreciate the beauty and significance of the creative process itself.