Boot en een onderstel van een wagen c. 1903

This sketch of a boat and wagon structure, by George Hendrik Breitner, captures the essence of form through minimal lines. The composition is divided, setting up a dialogue between the rounded boat section on the left and the angular, linear wagon parts on the right. Breitner's technique here underscores a focus on structure. Notice how each shape and line is laid bare, reducing the objects to their most fundamental forms. This approach aligns with a structuralist perspective, where the underlying framework is more important than the surface details. The contrast between the circular and straight lines not only defines the objects but also creates a visual rhythm that guides the eye across the page. In its simplicity, the sketch invites us to consider how these basic shapes function, not just as representations of objects, but as elements of a visual language. This interplay of form and structure is central to Breitner's exploration, making us aware of the elemental codes that construct our perception of the world.