Annotaties 1914 - 1923

Here is an early page from a sketchbook by George Hendrik Breitner, made with graphite on paper. I love how Breitner seems to be thinking on the page. The pencil lines are so tentative and searching, like he’s mapping out a territory, both physical and mental. You can almost feel him making decisions, crossing things out, and adding new ideas as he goes. It’s a real insight into the artistic process, a glimpse behind the curtain. The texture of the paper is also a key component of the piece, providing a subtle ground for the marks to play against. The graphite itself has a sheen that changes with the light, adding a layer of depth to the surface. Look at how the artist has captured a sense of the ephemeral through the most simple materials. Each mark vibrates with possibility, reminding us that art is never finished, only abandoned. It reminds me of Cy Twombly’s sketchbooks; scribbled thoughts that reveal hidden structures of meaning. It is a reminder that art is as much about the journey as the destination.