Annotaties c. 1909

This page of annotations was made by George Hendrik Breitner, probably as a working document for his artistic practice. The pencil marks are light, almost tentative, yet they crowd the page, each note vying for attention. It’s like peering into the artist's mind, seeing the raw, unfiltered thoughts that fuel his creativity. I’m drawn to the way Breitner layers the text, creating a palimpsest of ideas. Some words are carefully written, while others are scrawled in haste, their forms barely legible. There's a tension between precision and spontaneity, control and chaos, that really resonates with me. It's almost like a conversation or dialogue he's having with himself, exploring different possibilities and directions. Looking at this piece, I can't help but think of Cy Twombly, who also embraced a kind of poetic mark-making in his work. Both artists seem to be more interested in the process of creation than in achieving a polished, finished product. They invite us to witness their thinking, their struggles, and their discoveries as they unfold. It’s a reminder that art is not about answers, but about asking questions and embracing the beautiful messiness of life.