Studie c. 1886s

This sketch was made by George Hendrik Breitner, using graphite on paper. It shows a landscape with some buildings. You can almost feel Breitner’s hand at work here. His choice of graphite is very telling. It is immediate, and direct, and he is able to capture the texture and atmosphere of the location. It seems he is trying to capture the scene in its pure form, rather than a polished landscape. The nature of the medium and the way it has been applied, provide the drawing with social and cultural significance. Graphite is an industrial material, a product of modern manufacturing. Breitner's choice reflects an engagement with contemporary life, and his interest in capturing the spirit of modernity. Breitner's ‘Studie’ offers a glimpse into the world around him and the materials around him. It reminds us that art is not just about the finished product, but also about the process and the materials that shape it.