Neus en ogen van een kat c. 1886s

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, "Neus en ogen van een kat" - that's "Nose and eyes of a cat" - using charcoal on paper. The grainy texture of the charcoal allows for soft gradations of tone, and the artist has exploited that beautifully. Look at how Breitner captures the essence of the subject with just a few strokes. The charcoal catches on the paper's surface, creating a blurred effect, suggesting the cat's soft fur. The rapid application speaks to the quick, fleeting moments that an artist captures while sketching. This sketch offers insight into Breitner's working process, and his engagement with capturing everyday life. By focusing on the materiality and the artist's direct interaction with the medium, we appreciate how even a simple sketch can be a powerful expression of artistic skill and vision. It encourages us to see the value in both the final artwork, and the process of making it.