Liggende hond, mogelijk in een landschap c. 1883 - 1885

This drawing of a resting dog, possibly in a landscape, was made by George Hendrik Breitner in the late 19th or early 20th century. It's made using graphite on paper, humble materials to be sure. The softness of graphite allows Breitner to capture fleeting moments and impressions. The paper's texture subtly influences the marks, adding depth to the sketch. The artist uses hatching and cross-hatching to build up tone and volume, breathing life into the resting animal. This drawing is likely from a sketchbook, underscoring its immediacy and the artist’s commitment to capturing everyday life. The deliberate choice of these accessible materials and the rapid execution suggest a focus on the act of seeing, rather than a precious end product. In understanding the artist's intentions and techniques, we can appreciate how Breitner elevated the mundane through the simple yet profound act of drawing.