Gezicht in Amsterdam 1896

George Hendrik Breitner made this drawing of a view in Amsterdam using graphite on paper. The support is from a sketchbook, with ruled lines providing a subtle grid. Graphite, of course, is pure carbon, but the way it's prepared for drawing gives it a distinctive feel. In this case, Breitner likely used a relatively soft grade, allowing him to achieve those broad, smudged lines. Notice how the graphite is deployed to capture the essential forms of the architecture, with the hatched strokes giving a sense of depth. This approach is about quickly capturing an impression, less about precise representation, and more about the mood of the subject. It’s interesting to see how a seemingly simple material can be manipulated to create a powerful image. This drawing reminds us that the essence of art isn't just in the subject, but in the way it's rendered through a specific process. It challenges us to look beyond the image and consider the artist's hand, and the relationship between labor, material, and the final piece.