Figuren, mogelijk op een markt of in een etablissement c. 1882

This is a sketchbook page by George Hendrik Breitner, made with graphite on paper. The artist sketched figures, possibly in a market or establishment, using a medium that is easily accessible, affordable, and portable. The rapid strokes and unfinished quality of the drawing suggest a fleeting moment captured on the go. Graphite, a form of carbon, lends itself to quick studies like this, offering a range of tonal values from light gray to deep black, crucial for capturing light and shadow. The visible marks are an index of Breitner’s movement, reflecting a society increasingly shaped by industrialization and the pace of modern life. Unlike the laborious process of oil painting, the immediacy of graphite allowed Breitner to document everyday life. The use of such a humble material democratizes the artistic process, making art accessible and relatable. Breitner's choice of graphite challenges traditional distinctions between high art and everyday observation, highlighting the importance of material and process in understanding the artist's intent and the cultural context of his time.