Lachende jongen en een gezicht in Amsterdam 1888

George Hendrik Breitner sketched this ‘Lachende jongen en een gezicht in Amsterdam’ using graphite on paper. It's a quick, informal study, likely done on the spot in the city. The choice of graphite is interesting; it is a readily available material, perfect for capturing fleeting moments. The texture of the paper, with its ruled lines, adds another layer of immediacy, like a page torn from a notebook. The artist uses the graphite to build up tone and shadow, giving the figures depth and form with the barest of means. The marks are direct and unlabored, suggesting the artist was more interested in capturing the essence of the scene than creating a polished work. This approach democratizes art-making. It reminds us that artistic insight can be found in the everyday, using the simplest of materials. It’s a perfect example of how the act of making, and the materials used, can bridge the gap between high art and the common experience.