Twee zelfportretten van George Hendrik Breitner c. 1882 - 1912

Here we see two self-portraits by George Hendrik Breitner, quickly sketched with graphite. The portraits are studies in contrast, both in style and implied emotional state. On the left, the artist captures himself with bold, confident strokes. The lines are thick and somewhat crude, giving the face a rugged, almost confrontational presence. The figure’s gaze is unfocused and directed upwards. Conversely, the portrait on the right is rendered with finer, more delicate lines. The face appears softer, more introspective, with a slightly melancholic air. Breitner’s use of line here transcends mere representation, instead serving as a tool to explore different facets of his persona, and the very act of self-perception. This duality invites us to question fixed notions of identity and consider the self as a fluid, multifaceted construct.