Figuurstudies c. 1906 - 1923

This work, Figuurstudies, was made by George Hendrik Breitner using graphite on paper. Breitner's choice of materials is particularly striking here. Graphite, a humble material, contrasts with the more celebrated oil paints favored for formal portraiture. The quick, gestural lines suggest an immediacy, capturing fleeting impressions rather than polished likenesses. Notice how the artist uses varying degrees of pressure to create depth and shadow, hinting at the forms beneath the clothing. This choice speaks to the artist's interest in portraying everyday life and the working class, rather than idealized or romanticized figures. The sketch-like quality emphasizes the labor and process of artistic creation. This approach challenges traditional notions of art as a purely aesthetic pursuit, highlighting the social and economic context in which art is made. By focusing on the everyday and employing accessible materials, Breitner democratizes art, making it relevant to a wider audience.