Signatuur en datum 1872 - 1879

This is a signature by George Hendrik Breitner, created in Rotterdam on September 12, 1921. Though it is made using conventional materials – paper and ink – it prompts us to consider how even the simplest tools can carry cultural weight. Think about the act of signing one’s name. It’s a gesture of authentication, of authorship. Breitner's signature on paper becomes a symbolic representation of his artistic identity, his social position, and his connection to the art market. The choice of paper and ink isn't accidental either, but it represents the standardization and commodification of art-making in Breitner's time. These materials allowed for the mass production and distribution of artworks. Even a seemingly simple document like this can prompt us to consider the significance of materials, making, and social context in understanding the full meaning of an artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.