Studieblad met hoofden Possibly 1883 - 1885

George Hendrik Breitner made this study sheet with heads using graphite on paper, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century. The graphite, a relatively soft and easily manipulated material, allowed Breitner to quickly capture the nuances of light and shadow on the faces. The immediacy of graphite lends a sense of intimacy to these studies. The choice of paper as a ground is equally significant; its texture and absorbency affect how the graphite is laid down, contributing to the overall tonality of the sketches. These materials were easily accessible, and they suited the rapid, iterative nature of study. The production of such a sheet underscores the intense labor involved in artistic training, reflecting the academic practices that emphasize observation, repetition, and refinement. By valuing these processes, we recognize the skill and effort invested in creating what might otherwise be dismissed as a preliminary work.