Figuurstudies 1883 - 1885

George Hendrik Breitner made these "Figuurstudies", or figure studies, using graphite on paper. It's a humble medium, really, just carbon transferred from the pencil to the page. But look at what Breitner coaxes from it. The figures emerge from a haze of marks, built up through rapid, repetitive strokes. There is a sense of immediacy here, of capturing fleeting moments. It is like a snapshot of figures at work. We see working-class subjects, engaged in physical labor. Breitner's choice of graphite underscores the immediacy and accessibility of the medium. It’s a democratic material, readily available and easily portable. This allows Breitner to document everyday life, blurring the lines between high art and the gritty reality of the streets. Ultimately, the power of "Figuurstudies" lies in its embrace of humble materials and its focus on the dignity of labor. It reminds us that art can be found in the most unexpected places, and that the act of creation is itself a form of work.