Twee dienstmeiden 1893

George Hendrik Breitner sketched "Twee dienstmeiden" using graphite on paper. These aren't precious materials, but practical ones, fitting for a quick study. The qualities of graphite allow for a range of tonal values, which Breitner uses to suggest form and space, particularly to capture the texture and weight of the maids' uniforms. Look at the speed of the marks, suggesting a fleeting moment, typical of impressionist art and urban life in general. The immediacy of the sketch, made en plein air perhaps, speaks volumes about the labour of the artist, and the labour of the working-class women that the artist saw in passing. Through this combination of material, process, and social context, Breitner's sketch invites us to consider the value of everyday moments and the stories they tell about work, class, and the human condition. It's a reminder that art isn't just about the finished product, but about the entire process of making and experiencing.