Gezicht op de Nieuwe Teertuinen te Amsterdam 1912

This sketch, Gezicht op de Nieuwe Teertuinen te Amsterdam, was made by George Hendrik Breitner with graphite on paper. It feels spontaneous, as if Breitner was trying to capture a fleeting impression, a moment in time. The texture of the paper is visible beneath the marks, and the varying pressure of the graphite creates a range of tonal values. Look at the way Breitner uses hatching to define the forms of the buildings, creating depth and shadow with a few simple strokes. There is a kind of directness to the work, an almost childlike approach. Notice how these sketchy lines feel more like a shorthand for the thing, rather than the thing itself. Breitner's approach reminds me of Philip Guston, especially his late work, where the forms are simplified and raw, and the process of making is evident in every mark. Ultimately, the beauty of this sketch lies in its simplicity and honesty, inviting us to contemplate the world around us with fresh eyes.