Studies van een zingende vrouw 1867 - 1923

This evocative drawing of a singing woman was sketched by George Hendrik Breitner. Here, the open mouth of the singer is of particular interest, an emblem of expression, of the breath made visible. Consider how this motif appears in ancient Greek theatre, where masks with exaggerated open mouths were used to amplify the actor’s voice, projecting emotions to a large audience. This amplification is not merely acoustic, but also symbolic. The open mouth becomes a signifier of catharsis. Think, too, of the ritualistic use of chanting and singing in various cultures. Even in Munch's "The Scream," the open mouth is not merely a sign of horror but a primal outcry against the void. Breitner's singer captures this psychological depth: a fusion of voice, emotion, and our collective yearning for expression across time.