Studie, mogelijk van een figuur op straat 1880 - 1882

This sketch, possibly of a figure in the street, was made by George Hendrik Breitner using graphite on paper. Graphite, in its raw form, is a relatively humble material, yet capable of capturing fleeting moments with remarkable sensitivity. Here, Breitner uses it to rapidly define the scene, with lines that suggest more than they depict. Notice the thinness of the marks, and how the artist varied the pressure to achieve subtle gradations of tone. The paper, too, plays a role, its texture interacting with the graphite to create a slightly rough, informal feel. The sketch is a testament to Breitner's acute observation and ability to distill the essence of modern urban life, one which was undergoing rapid industrialization. He wasn't interested in the smooth surfaces of academic painting, but in the immediacy of the drawn line. This approach democratized art-making, emphasizing the process of seeing and recording over the conventions of formal presentation.