Staande vrouw 1886 - 1923

This quick sketch of a standing woman was made by George Hendrik Breitner, probably in his studio, using pencil on paper. Look at the way Breitner approaches the figure, it's all about capturing a fleeting moment. He is not trying to be precise, instead, he's interested in the feeling of movement and presence. You can see the lightness of touch, the way the pencil glides across the surface, creating a sense of airiness. It feels as though the drawing came together quickly, in one fluid motion. The texture of the paper is also important here, it's rough and uneven, which adds to the overall sense of immediacy. Notice how the lines of the skirt are slightly wonky, almost like the fabric is in motion. It reminds me a little of Degas and his sketches of ballerinas, a similar attempt to capture movement and dynamism. These artists share an interest in depicting modern life, focusing on everyday moments and fleeting impressions. In the end, it's not about perfection, it's about capturing a feeling, an atmosphere, a moment in time.