Studies van een vrouw Possibly 1883 - 1885

This is "Studies van een Vrouw", a drawing by George Hendrik Breitner. We see a woman captured in a sketch-like form, a record of the artist's observations. The composition is dominated by contour lines that define the form of the figure. We see the face in profile and an emphasis on the hands, depicted with close attention. The lines are not uniform but vary in thickness and intensity, creating a sense of depth. The sketchy quality gives a sense of immediacy. Breitner's use of line is about more than just representation. The form is fragmented to show the figure from multiple perspectives, capturing the essence of a subject rather than creating a perfect representation of form. The incomplete nature of the sketch invites the viewer to participate, to complete the image. In conclusion, this drawing's significance lies not only in its subject matter but also in its formal qualities. The lines, their absence and presence, destabilize fixed meanings.