Staande vrouw en een mannenhoofd 1881 - 1883

This quick sketch of a standing woman and a man’s head was made by George Hendrik Breitner, likely using graphite pencil on paper. The artist is working directly on the page with basic tools, in a way that has strong connections to drawing traditions. You might notice a contrast between the rather traditional approach to the art and Breitner’s subject matter, which often features working-class women in Amsterdam. Here the marks are laid down rapidly. It has a great sense of immediacy, as if the figures were captured in motion. Note the angular lines and hatching, which give a sense of volume and form, while the untouched paper creates highlights and spatial depth. By focusing on the directness and simplicity of the drawing process, Breitner elevates the everyday lives of ordinary people, suggesting that these moments are worthy of artistic attention. This piece challenges traditional hierarchies within art, blurring the lines between high art and common experience.