Boten in het water, mogelijk een gracht 1887 - 1889

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of boats on a canal with charcoal, likely en plein air. The velvety texture of the charcoal lends itself well to capturing the reflections on the water's surface. Charcoal, as a drawing medium, allows for quick and expressive mark-making, perfect for capturing fleeting moments and impressions. It’s a direct medium, where the artist’s hand is immediately evident in the strokes and smudges across the paper. Breitner engaged with the immediacy of charcoal to capture the essence of the scene. His energetic strokes mimic the movement of the water and the play of light. The material itself isn't precious, but humble, emphasizing the artist’s skill in transforming a simple medium into a evocative image. The drawing's open composition and lack of detail suggest that Breitner was more interested in capturing the overall atmosphere of the canal scene than in creating a highly finished work. The charcoal embodies the working class aesthetic, removing the preciousness or elitism associated with art objects.