Gezicht op de Roelof Hartstraat te Amsterdam 1910

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of the Roelof Hartstraat in Amsterdam with graphite on paper. Graphite, like charcoal, is a fundamental tool for artists, valued for its immediacy and versatility. Here, Breitner uses it to capture a fleeting impression of urban life. The sketch is rapidly executed, with lines varying in weight and density, suggesting the bustling energy of the street. See how the graphite is layered to create areas of shadow and depth, giving the impression of a rainy day in the city. The choice of materials and the speed of execution are significant. Unlike the painstaking process of oil painting, graphite allows for quick studies, capturing momentary observations. This reflects a shift towards a more modern, spontaneous approach to art-making. Breitner's sketch serves as a reminder that artistic value can be found not only in finished masterpieces, but also in the process of creation itself.