Studieblad, onder andere met een voorovergebogen figuur c. 1883 - 1885

George Hendrik Breitner created this sketch with graphite, depicting a figure in a state of deep bending. Observe how the figure's stooped posture has roots stretching back to ancient depictions of lamentation. Think of the mourning figures on Greek funerary stelae or the grieving Mary at the foot of the Cross. This posture speaks of sorrow and introspection. The emotional weight of such imagery resonates through time, shifting in meaning but never losing its power. The collective memory of grief, embedded in our cultural psyche, influences how we see such images. This posture engages viewers on a subconscious level, evoking shared human experiences of vulnerability and emotional distress. This motif continues its non-linear journey, reappearing in various contexts, constantly evolving and reflecting our enduring engagement with themes of suffering and empathy.