Figuur voor gebouwen 1884 - 1886

This charcoal sketch by George Hendrik Breitner shows a figure juxtaposed against buildings, but it's the use of light and shadow that truly speaks to our collective unconscious. The sharp contrast between the dark, heavily shaded areas and the stark white space evokes a sense of drama. The symbol of contrasting light and dark is as old as time itself, recurring in countless myths and legends across cultures. Think of the yin and yang, where opposing forces are interconnected and interdependent. This concept permeates human understanding of the world. Here, the way Breitner uses light and shadow pulls at the viewer's subconscious, stirring feelings of mystery and the sublime. Though the shapes are simple, their placement and tone create a composition that transcends mere representation. The darkness looms, creating a timeless expression of the human condition in the face of looming architecture.