Twee vrouwen c. 1886 - 1923

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of two women using graphite on paper. The apparent simplicity of this drawing belies the careful observation and confident skill required to capture the human form with such economy of line. The choice of graphite, a readily available and relatively inexpensive material, speaks to the artist's focus on the immediacy of the creative act. Graphite's inherent qualities – its smoothness, its capacity for both delicate shading and bold strokes – allow for a remarkable range of expression. Breitner’s draftsmanship imbues the artwork with a sense of spontaneity. Consider the social context in which this drawing was made. Breitner was deeply engaged with the everyday life of Amsterdam, often depicting working-class subjects. In its raw and unvarnished portrayal of women, the drawing challenges the traditional hierarchies of art, elevating the ordinary and the overlooked.