Landschap c. 1915 - 1916

George Hendrik Breitner created this landscape sketch, now at the Rijksmuseum, using graphite on paper. The composition is immediately striking for its simplicity and the vertical emphasis of the lines, dividing the scene into distinct, almost abstract zones. The left side features delicate, wavy lines suggesting water, contrasted by stark vertical lines that might represent trees. On the right, a densely shaded area hints at foliage or a building, creating a balance between transparency and opacity. Breitner's use of line and shading isn't just descriptive, it's expressive. It invites us to contemplate the relationship between clarity and ambiguity, structure and fluidity. This interplay might be interpreted through the lens of structuralism, where the binary oppositions—light and shadow, line and void—serve to create meaning. The drawing prompts questions about how we perceive and categorize the world around us, revealing how even the simplest sketch can challenge fixed notions and invite ongoing interpretation.