Marie Anne Henriette Breitner (geb.1882-06-14), the Painter's Half-sister c. 1890 - 1923

George Hendrik Breitner painted this portrait of his half-sister, Marie Anne Henriette Breitner, in oil on canvas. The canvas, dominated by a range of warm yellows, offers a study in tonal variation. The textured application of paint conveys a sense of material presence, drawing us into the artwork's surface. Breitner's approach to portraiture can be viewed through the lens of formal construction. The arrangement of light and shadow across Marie's face and hair is not merely representational. Rather, it serves to create a visual rhythm that engages with contemporary ideas about perception and the self. The gaze of the subject, directed downwards, is a powerful compositional choice that adds to the painting's psychological depth. Ultimately, the enduring appeal of this painting lies in its ability to function as a complex interplay of form and content, inviting viewers to actively participate in its ever-evolving narrative.