Twee mannen, mogelijk in een etablissement c. 1886 - 1890

This sketch of two men, possibly in a tavern, was made by George Hendrik Breitner. Look at the composition. Notice the use of charcoal to capture a fleeting moment. The scene is built through an arrangement of marks and lines that define the shapes and forms within the space. Breitner's method of quickly capturing scenes reflects a modern sensibility, embracing the immediacy of urban life. The rough and sketchy style emphasizes the transient nature of the scene. The composition seems spontaneous, with an underlying structure that carefully balances the dark and light areas. The heavy use of charcoal not only defines shape but also communicates the density and atmosphere of the interior. The unfinished quality invites us to consider the relationship between the artwork and the rapidly changing world it depicts. This evokes a sense of modernity that is both visually striking and conceptually rich.