Schetsen van hoofden en een vrouw met een kind 1867 - 1923

This drawing titled 'Sketches of Heads and a Woman with a Child' was made by George Hendrik Breitner, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century, and is currently held in the Rijksmuseum. The eye is immediately drawn to a seemingly chaotic arrangement of sketched figures, rendered in graphite. The composition lacks a central focus; instead, it presents a collection of studies. The artist employs line as the primary means of delineation. The varying line weights suggest a process of exploration and revision. We observe how Breitner experiments with capturing different angles and expressions, almost as if dissecting the human form through observation. The lack of background detail shifts attention squarely onto the figures themselves. This artistic choice underscores Breitner's concern not with narrative or setting, but with the pure act of seeing and representing. This piece exemplifies a shift towards modern artistic values, valuing the process and perception.