Bebouwing, mogelijk aan het water 1886 - 1898

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, possibly near the water, using graphite on paper. The marks feel immediate and raw. The tooth of the paper grabs the graphite, leaving a textured surface. What makes this drawing sing is Breitner’s economical approach. He’s not trying to render every brick or ripple, but rather capturing the essence of the scene with a few well-placed lines. Look at the varying pressure he applies. Thick, dark strokes define the buildings, while lighter, feathery lines suggest the movement of water or the texture of foliage. It’s like he’s choreographing the graphite across the page, each stroke contributing to the overall rhythm. This sketch gives us a glimpse into Breitner’s working process. It’s a reminder that even the simplest materials, when wielded with intention and skill, can convey a wealth of information and emotion. It shows that we can learn much from paying attention to how things are made, and how the maker's hand shapes the final result.