Figuren in een stad of dorp 1880 - 1882

This pencil drawing, Figuren in een stad of dorp, was made by George Hendrik Breitner, and resides in the Rijksmuseum. At first glance, the sketch gives us a glimpse into Breitner's working process through its visible structure. The composition is organized around a series of loosely defined geometric forms. We see a progression of tones created by dense hatching and shading, especially on the left. The interplay between the dark, structured marks and the lighter, sketchier areas creates a dynamic contrast. The drawing explores fundamental questions about representation and perception. Instead of presenting a fully realized scene, Breitner offers a fragmented view, inviting us to consider how we construct meaning from partial information. The materiality of the pencil on paper further emphasizes this sense of immediacy and the act of seeing. Breitner focuses on the raw visual experience over narrative detail, allowing us to consider the artwork as an exploration of structure, form, and the very act of drawing itself.