Gezicht op een brug over de Lauriergracht te Amsterdam 1893

This is a graphite sketch on paper of a bridge over the Lauriergracht in Amsterdam, made by George Hendrik Breitner. We can see that the artist used a sketchbook, perhaps noting down ideas and impressions to be revisited later in his studio. Graphite offers itself to this approach, allowing for a fast and mutable result. The softness of the material lends itself to shading effects, and easy correction. Breitner has captured a fleeting moment, imbuing the work with a spontaneous energy through the marks on the page. There is a tremendous sense of immediacy, as if we are looking over the artist’s shoulder while he works. The sketch acts as a time capsule, offering insight into the artist's process and the urban landscape of Amsterdam. The artist's hand guides the graphite across the paper to create a drawing that transcends the distinction between sketch and finished work. The image shows how the simple materials of paper and graphite, combined with the skilled hand of an artist, can produce a work of art.