Studie Possibly 1883 - 1885

This drawing, Studie, was made by George Hendrik Breitner using graphite on paper. Looking closely, you can see how Breitner built up tone through layers of light, sketchy marks. The texture of the paper plays a big part here, catching the graphite and creating a slightly rough, atmospheric effect. Breitner wasn't trying to hide the process; in fact, he seems to celebrate the immediacy of the medium. The drawing has a sense of energy, thanks to the artist's active and visible mark-making. This approach suggests that the process of drawing itself was important to Breitner, as a way of understanding and responding to the world around him. It is a process that highlights the raw aesthetics of an artwork in its creation. So, next time you look at a drawing, consider the materials and the marks. They can tell you a lot about the artist's intentions and the broader cultural values they represent.