Vrouw voor een spiegel 1886 - 1903

George Hendrik Breitner made this drawing of a woman in front of a mirror using graphite on paper. Graphite, a humble material, allows for a remarkable range of expression, from delicate lines to dense shading, as we see here. Breitner's choice of graphite speaks volumes about his artistic intentions. Unlike the expensive materials associated with high art, graphite is readily available and inexpensive, aligning with the artist's desire to capture everyday life. The rapid, gestural strokes suggest a fleeting moment, a snapshot of a woman caught in a private act of reflection. The drawing's unfinished quality invites us to consider the labor involved in art-making. It is a glimpse into the artist's process, a testament to the power of simple materials to convey complex emotions and ideas. By elevating a humble material to the realm of fine art, Breitner challenges traditional notions of artistic value.