Groep figuren, mogelijk in een landschap 1887 - 1891

This graphite sketch, possibly depicting figures in a landscape, was made by George Hendrik Breitner. Here, Breitner used the most elemental of artmaking gestures: a simple graphite pencil to create the figures and landscape. Graphite is pure carbon, formed into a solid, that leaves a trace on paper when pressure is applied. The qualities of line, tone, and texture possible with such a simple implement are quite remarkable. The quick, abbreviated strokes indicate a fleeting moment captured, as if the artist was working en plein air. You can see that the artist has used hatching and cross-hatching to create a sense of depth and shadow. This artwork exists in the realm of the preliminary. Breitner did many drawings like this, and it's important to remember that these sketches are themselves finished artworks that give us a glimpse into the artist's practice. By valuing drawing alongside painting, we expand our appreciation of the artist's skill and intention, blurring the line between 'high art' and the more humble world of craft.