Figuurstudie c. 1915 - 1916

This sketch of a figure study was made by George Hendrik Breitner, probably in a notebook, with pencil. The network of lines and text creates a captivating dialogue, a kind of performance on paper. There's a real immediacy to Breitner's mark-making that speaks to me. The quick, light strokes capture the essence of the figure, suggesting form without fully defining it. I love the way the lines dance and weave, creating a sense of movement and energy. It’s as if he's feeling out the contours, letting the hand lead the eye. Look at the way he suggests the sitter's shoulder, a simple curve that speaks volumes. The texture of the paper comes through, adding depth and grounding the ephemeral sketch. You could see connections to someone like Daumier, who similarly found great freedom and expression in the sketch. Ultimately, these kinds of pieces remind us that art is as much about the process of seeing and feeling as it is about the final image.