Vrouwen op een kade of straat 1886 - 1898

This charcoal sketch by George Hendrik Breitner captures a fleeting moment on a quay or street. The immediacy of the medium is striking; charcoal, a material born from burning wood, is here used in a rapid, almost frantic manner. Look at the density of marks, which are unevenly applied: the artist is building up the image with layers of tone, creating a sense of depth. The roughness of the charcoal contributes to the overall impression of urban grit, matching Breitner's subject matter of working-class life in Amsterdam. This isn't about refined artistry; it's about capturing the raw energy of the city. Breitner's choice of charcoal over more traditional drawing materials reflects a desire to connect with the everyday experience, blurring the lines between high art and the realities of modern life. The sketch is less an artwork in itself, than it is a record of labor, documenting what the artist saw, and how he worked.