Figuur met een voorwerp in zijn handen c. 1880 - 1906

This sketch, "Figuur met een voorwerp in zijn handen", was created by George Hendrik Breitner using graphite on paper. The immediacy of graphite as a medium is apparent here; it allows for a quick translation of observation into mark-making. The varying pressure and direction of the graphite create a range of tonal values, suggesting form and depth with minimal effort. The texture of the paper also plays a role, catching the graphite in its fibers and adding to the overall visual effect. This unassuming choice of material speaks volumes about Breitner’s artistic practice, and the social context in which it was produced. Graphite, readily available and affordable, democratized the process of drawing, breaking down distinctions between the artist's studio and the everyday world. This sketch embodies the ethos of capturing fleeting moments and observations from life as it unfolds. It's a reminder that art isn't just about high-end materials, but about seeing and interpreting the world around us.