Stadsgezicht met figuren 1884 - 1886

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of a cityscape with figures using graphite on paper. The immediacy of graphite lends itself to capturing fleeting moments, quickly and efficiently. It’s a humble material, more associated with note-taking than high art. Look closely, and you'll see the artist's hand at work. The smudges and erasures tell a story of creation, revision, and refinement. The stark contrast of light and shadow adds depth and dimension to the composition. The way he uses graphite gives the sketch a unique texture, the softness of the material creating a misty effect. The choice of such a readily available material speaks volumes about the artist's intentions, moving away from traditional notions of what constitutes art. It brings us closer to the daily life of the artist, blurring the lines between the studio and the streets, inviting us to see beauty in the mundane. Breitner isn't just depicting a scene; he's capturing the essence of a moment in time.