Studieblad 1880 - 1882

"Studie blad" (Study Sheet), an 1880-1882 work by Dutch painter George Hendrik Breitner, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, offers a glimpse into the artist's creative process. The graphite drawing depicts a scene in quick, gestural strokes, suggesting a spontaneous and preliminary sketch. Breitner, renowned for his urban scenes and capturing the dynamism of modern life, utilized these study sheets extensively to experiment with composition and explore visual ideas before embarking on larger, more finished works. The piece exemplifies Breitner's signature style, characterized by loose lines and a focus on capturing fleeting moments.