Zittende man met hoed 1881 - 1883

George Hendrik Breitner rendered this sketch of a seated man with a hat using graphite on paper. Breitner’s choice of graphite, a readily available and relatively inexpensive material, speaks volumes about his artistic intentions. The directness of the medium allowed him to capture fleeting moments of everyday life without the pressure of creating a polished, finished artwork. The lines, quick and decisive, reveal the artist’s hand in the act of observing and recording. Graphite’s inherent qualities of smoothness and darkness lend a sense of immediacy to the sketch. The strokes, though simple, convey form and texture, particularly in the depiction of the man's hat and posture. This direct approach, eschewing the pretenses of high art, democratizes the artistic process, making it accessible and relevant to the experiences of ordinary people. The act of sketching itself can be seen as a form of labor. Breitner's commitment to capturing these moments suggests a desire to elevate the mundane, celebrating the value of everyday life through the simple act of drawing. This challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, highlighting the artistic potential inherent in everyday materials and practices.