Studieblad met mannenhoofden en daken c. 1914s

George Hendrik Breitner created this sketch of men’s heads and rooftops with pencil on paper sometime around the late 19th century. The interplay between architectural and figural sketches creates a fascinating dynamic across the page. Breitner's use of line is particularly striking. Notice how the rooftop sketches are defined by precise, angular lines, capturing the geometric forms of buildings. In contrast, the studies of men's heads are rendered with softer, more fluid lines, imbuing them with a sense of movement. The composition deliberately destabilizes the traditional relationship between foreground and background. By placing these disparate subjects together on a single sheet, Breitner challenges the viewer to find connections between the human and the urban landscape. This reflects a broader artistic interest in the period to integrate modern life and challenge conventional modes of representation. Each viewing offers an opportunity for renewed interpretation, uncovering the subtleties of Breitner's artistic vision.