Stadsgezicht, mogelijk Gorinchem 1885

George Hendrik Breitner likely created this city scene, possibly of Gorinchem, using graphite on paper. The immediacy of the medium lends itself to a sketch-like quality, capturing a fleeting moment in the urban landscape. The grey paper support enhances the tonal range achievable with graphite. Breitner's marks, ranging from delicate lines to dense shading, create a sense of depth and atmosphere. We can appreciate the artist’s ability to quickly translate what he saw onto paper using minimal effort. The choice of graphite and paper speaks to the artist's intention to capture the essence of a scene, rather than creating a highly finished work. This approach aligns with the Realist movement of the time, emphasizing the importance of depicting everyday life with honesty. The work challenges traditional academic conventions, inviting viewers to appreciate the beauty found in ordinary places.