Studieblad c. 1902

This page of studies by George Hendrik Breitner is a fascinating look into the working process of an artist. There are three different drawings on the page, all made with what looks like a graphite pencil. The marks are tentative, searching – you can see the artist trying to find the right line, the right form. It's like eavesdropping on a conversation between the artist and the subject. These lines aren’t precious or labored over, they seem immediate and spontaneous, capturing the essence of a fleeting moment. Look at the topmost drawing, how the shading is done with quick, scribbled lines, giving a sense of volume and depth without being overly detailed. This piece reminds me of the drawings of Degas. Both artists shared an interest in capturing movement and form through quick, expressive lines. But where Degas often focused on dancers in motion, Breitner seems to be exploring more everyday subjects. Art isn’t about perfect representation, but about capturing a feeling, a moment, an idea, and sharing it with others.