Barokgevel, mogelijk van een kerk 1882 - 1885

George Hendrik Breitner created this small pencil drawing titled "Barokgevel, mogelijk van een kerk" which translates to Baroque Facade, possibly of a church. The quick sketch with minimal shading captures the intricacies of Baroque architecture. Note how the facade is structured around a series of vertical lines, balanced by the arches and horizontal ledges. This creates a sense of both upward movement and grounded stability. Breitner employs linear precision to describe elaborate ornamentation and capture the essence of Baroque design. The facade is divided into distinct segments with the suggestion of sculptures. The adjacent sketch of what appears to be a candelabra echoes the Baroque aesthetic of elaborate ornamentation. Here, Breitner uses a minimalist approach to invite us to reflect on the function of architectural drawings. Is it simply a record or a means of interpreting the past? Consider that a drawing is never a neutral act; it’s always charged with the subjectivity of the artist.