Studie, mogelijk een stadsgezicht c. 1886 - 1898

This is a graphite sketch of a possible cityscape by George Hendrik Breitner. The material itself – graphite – is key here. Think of it not just as a medium for capturing a likeness, but a direct trace of the artist’s engagement with the world. Notice how Breitner is not trying to give us a polished, picturesque view. Instead, the marks are raw, conveying a sense of immediacy. The rapidly hatched marks suggest that the artist was working quickly, trying to capture the fleeting atmosphere of a specific moment. The sketch becomes a document of the artist's process, rather than just the end result. Breitner's approach reflects an interest in the everyday life of the city, which he captures with a directness that goes beyond conventional artistic techniques. These sketches, though simple in material, reveal an important part of Breitner’s artistic practice, and his attention to the rapidly changing urban landscape.