Staande man in oosterse kleding c. 1871 - 1876

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, ‘Standing Man in Oriental Clothing’, with graphite on paper. The grainy texture of the paper support peeks through the artist’s confident strokes, giving the sketch a subtle depth. Breitner’s choice of material is significant, as the speed and portability of graphite allowed him to capture fleeting moments and figures with ease. The sketch shows a man in what was perceived as ‘Oriental’ dress, a costume that reflects European interest in and exoticization of non-Western cultures. Consider how the artist's hand moved across the paper, quickly delineating the figure's form and clothing. The efficiency of the graphite medium mirrors the rapid pace of modern life, reflecting Breitner’s engagement with contemporary society. Paying attention to the materials and process of this sketch allows us to appreciate the artist's skill and contextualize the artwork within its historical moment.