Annotaties 1893

This is a page of annotations, likely a sketchbook page, by George Hendrik Breitner, made with graphite or a similar medium. The composition is dominated by pale, slightly aged paper, providing a stark contrast to the graphite markings. The textural quality of the paper, combined with the uneven pressure of the graphite, creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. Breitner’s annotations reveal the raw, unfiltered process of artistic thought. The quick, almost impulsive marks across the page suggest a stream-of-consciousness approach, rejecting traditional notions of the finished artwork. The semiotic reading of this piece emphasizes the deconstruction of conventional artistic practice. Breitner is not presenting a polished statement but rather laying bare the very act of thinking through drawing. Note the date stamp, “Mai 24,” which is less about a specific record and more about marking time, underlining duration, and process. This piece is not just an image but an index of the artist’s presence and engagement with time itself. It prompts us to consider how Breitner challenges fixed meanings, inviting viewers to engage with art as a continuous, evolving discourse.