Figuurstudies en paardenhoofden 1880 - 1882

This sketchbook page by George Hendrik Breitner shows a series of rapid notations, most likely made with graphite pencil. The artist was interested in quickly capturing the essence of figures and horses’ heads. The pencil lines are thin and wiry, with a deliberate roughness that conveys a sense of immediacy. The choice of graphite on paper is significant: these are inexpensive, readily available materials. The artist would have needed to know how to apply the medium skillfully, using various degrees of pressure to create different tonal values. Graphite also has a reflective quality, allowing for a range of light and shadow effects. The type of paper used here looks like an ordinary sketchbook type of paper, slightly textured, with a warm tone. These drawings reflect the value of preliminary work, a record of fleeting observations and experimentation. The work reminds us that making is a form of thinking. By focusing on the process and materials involved, we can appreciate the value of this kind of informal work.