Boom c. 1902 - 1914

This graphite drawing of a tree branch was made by George Hendrik Breitner, and it’s like a little poem on paper. Look at how the lines vary – some are firm and decisive, while others are light and almost hesitant. This isn't just about representing a tree; it's about the act of seeing and feeling. The texture here is all about the paper and the graphite. The tooth of the paper grabs the graphite, creating these lovely, soft darks and lights. The lines feel raw and immediate, capturing the essence of the branch without getting bogged down in detail. See that thicker line near the bottom? It’s like the anchor of the whole drawing, giving weight to the delicate branches that reach out. Breitner's sketch reminds me a bit of Cy Twombly's scribbled lines, both artists capturing movement and energy in deceptively simple marks. It is a beautiful reminder that art doesn't always need to shout, sometimes the quietest voices speak the loudest.