Gezicht in Den Haag, mogelijk de Nieuwstraat 1883

George Hendrik Breitner made this drawing, possibly of the Nieuwstraat in The Hague, using graphite on paper. Breitner was a master of capturing everyday life, and here, the immediacy of graphite is key. It's a quick, accessible medium, perfect for sketching fleeting moments. Notice how the graphite is applied in rough, energetic strokes, giving a sense of the bustling city. The lines are not precise, but rather suggestive, capturing the essence of the scene. The varying pressure of the graphite creates depth and shadow, adding to the dynamic feel. The choice of graphite, rather than a more formal medium like oil paint, speaks to Breitner's interest in depicting modern life as it was lived, without romanticism. It reflects a move away from traditional artistic conventions, embracing the raw and unvarnished aspects of urban existence. This drawing is a reminder that art can be found in the everyday, using simple materials to create powerful statements.