Studie c. 1886 - 1903

This drawing, Studie, was made by George Hendrik Breitner, using graphite on paper. The quick strokes capture a fleeting moment, a snapshot of urban life. Graphite, essentially processed carbon, allows for a range of marks from delicate lines to deep shadows. Breitner seizes upon the immediacy of this medium, using it to rapidly record his observations, his marks full of energy. The choice of this 'everyday' material is important here, as the artist’s practice reflected his interest in social realism. Drawings like these became studies for larger paintings documenting city life in Amsterdam. By embracing humble materials, Breitner blurred the lines between sketching and finished artworks. This piece serves as a reminder that the value of art lies not only in the final product, but in the materials, the process and the artist’s critical observation.