Kop van een kat 1892

George Hendrik Breitner made this study of a cat’s head in the late 19th or early 20th century, using graphite on paper. The artist's hand is immediately visible in the directness of the lines, which lack any shading. The apparent simplicity of the sketch is actually a testament to Breitner's skill. His expertise allowed him to capture the essence of the subject with the minimum of labor, in a rapid, efficient manner. Paper itself was becoming an increasingly industrial product during this period, associated with mass communication and commerce. Breitner was part of a generation of artists who embraced modern urban life, with all its gritty realities. This sketch seems to capture that spirit. It’s a reminder that even a quick drawing can reflect the changing material culture of its time. It challenges the traditional hierarchy between a finished painting and a preliminary sketch.