Landschap met bebouwing c. 1903

George Hendrik Breitner made this charcoal drawing called 'Landschap met bebouwing', or 'Landscape with Buildings' at an unknown date. Look at how Breitner uses short, energetic lines to define the basic forms of the landscape and buildings; you can almost see the artist in motion. This approach to mark-making isn't about a finished product; it's about the process of seeing and recording. The texture in this drawing is raw and immediate. The charcoal is dry and powdery, and in certain areas, you can see how the artist smudged the marks with his fingers, creating soft, hazy effects. It's like he’s conjuring the scene from memory. The dark, dense areas of charcoal contrast with the untouched, pale paper, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. There's a kind of quiet energy in it, reminiscent of Whistler's or Redon's drawings. It reflects the idea that art is about exploration and discovery, rather than just representation.