Zittende figuren 1881 - 1883

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, “Zittende figuren,” using graphite on paper. Rather than a painting, the artist captured a scene of daily life. Breitner's swift and simple lines evoke a sense of immediacy, as if he were recording a fleeting moment. Graphite, a readily available material, allows for quick and fluid mark-making. The softness of the medium enables subtle gradations of tone and texture, lending depth to the composition despite its sparseness. The choice of graphite on paper underscores the work's accessibility, devoid of any pretension. Through this drawing process, Breitner elevated the ordinary to the realm of art, inviting us to appreciate the beauty found in everyday scenes. Considering the social context in which Breitner worked, his focus on working-class subjects reflects a broader artistic trend towards realism and social commentary. By documenting the lives of ordinary people, Breitner challenged traditional notions of what constituted worthy subject matter for art. In doing so, he contributed to a more inclusive representation of society, blurring the lines between high art and everyday life.