Portret van Dr. van Hoorn 1867 - 1923

George Hendrik Breitner made this portrait of Dr. van Hoorn with graphite on paper. The material qualities here are all about immediacy and directness. Graphite, in stick form, allows for swift application. See how Breitner uses it to capture the doctor's likeness with an economy of line, quickly describing form and shadow. He is not after detail, but rather the essence of his sitter. The choice of graphite also speaks to a certain social context. Unlike oil paint, with its associations of wealth and high status, graphite is an inexpensive material, accessible to many. Drawings are often preparatory to other works, but here, the drawing stands alone. Breitner elevates what might otherwise be considered a sketch to the level of a finished portrait. This reflects a broader shift in the art world, where the value is placed not only on the final product but on the artist's process and vision. And it reminds us that even the simplest of materials, handled with skill and intention, can yield powerful results.