Studieblad met een staande vrouw en een vrouwenhoofd 1907 - 1909

This is a study sheet with a standing woman and a woman's head, made by George Hendrik Breitner using graphite on paper. The immediacy of the graphite sketches gives us a glimpse into Breitner's artistic process. The artist quickly captured the essence of his subjects, using a humble material to convey form and shadow. Graphite, being easily accessible and erasable, is perfect for preliminary studies like these. Breitner’s choice of graphite is closely linked to his social context. Graphite drawings do not require the same level of resources or studio space as oil painting, which democratized art production, enabling artists to capture fleeting moments in everyday life. Notice how the quick, gestural lines create a sense of movement and vitality. The artist’s hand is evident in every stroke, revealing a direct connection between the artist, the material, and the subject. These sketches highlight the beauty and importance of simple materials and direct processes in understanding an artist's vision.