Drie mannenhoofden 1880 - 1882

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of three men's heads in pencil. We can see the directness of the artist's hand in the immediacy of the marks on the page. The material itself, graphite, is a relatively humble substance, a mineral form of carbon that leaves a trace with minimal pressure. The rough paper catches the pencil, creating a texture that contrasts with the smooth faces of the men. Breitner layers the strokes, building up darker areas to define the forms and create a sense of depth. This isn't about high art materials or techniques; it's about capturing a fleeting impression, a casual observation. These sketches offer insight into Breitner's working method, a quick study that might inform a more finished composition later on. It blurs the boundaries between art and craft, emphasizing the value of process and the skill involved in seeing and recording.