Annotaties 1896

George Hendrik Breitner created this page of annotations, probably in the late 19th or early 20th century, using graphite pencil on paper. While seemingly modest, even unremarkable, the notepad page offers a rich glimpse into an artist's practice. The texture of the paper itself is crucial; its absorbency allows the pencil marks to sink in, creating a soft, almost blurry effect. You can also see the faint impressions of previous pages, suggesting the layering of ideas and observations over time. The casual jottings were likely made on the go, perhaps while Breitner was observing the bustling streets of Amsterdam. This intimate connection between seeing and recording is characteristic of Breitner's work. The annotations embody a kind of 'thinking through making', a process in which ideas are developed and refined through the act of drawing and writing. Looking at this page, we are reminded that even the simplest of materials can become a conduit for creativity and insight, blurring the boundaries between the artistic and the everyday.