Paard c. 1895 - 1898

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, Paard, using graphite on paper. Graphite, essentially pencil lead, has been used for centuries for preliminary studies, but here it's the final form. The material itself invites a certain kind of handling. Graphite allows for quick, gestural marks, capturing fleeting impressions with remarkable efficiency. The thin lines suggest movement and energy, typical of Breitner's interest in capturing the dynamism of modern urban life. What's interesting here is the immediacy of the medium. Graphite lends itself to sketches and preliminary works, and Breitner used it to create works that reflect the realities of everyday life, rather than classical or historical subjects. Breitner elevated this ‘everyday’ material to an art form. This choice reflects a broader trend of artists finding beauty and meaning in the mundane, challenging traditional notions of what constitutes ‘high’ art. By focusing on the ordinary, Breitner invites us to reconsider our own surroundings and find value in the overlooked aspects of modern life.