Bebouwing c. 1880 - 1906

George Hendrik Breitner made this drawing, "Bebouwing," using the humble materials of charcoal and paper. This isn't about the high gloss of oil paint, but rather the immediacy of capturing a fleeting moment. The rough, smudged lines suggest a rapid execution, a quick study of buildings perhaps under construction. Charcoal, being easily manipulated, allowed Breitner to swiftly block in forms and capture the essence of the scene before him. The very process embodies the dynamism of urban development, a theme Breitner often explored. Consider the labor involved, not only of the artist but also the construction workers implied in the image. Breitner's choice of medium and technique democratizes art-making, suggesting that even the most basic materials can convey profound social observations. It blurs the lines between fine art and everyday experience.