Studie, mogelijk van bomen langs een weg 1883

George Hendrik Breitner made this study of trees along a road with graphite on paper. The grainy texture of the graphite, coupled with the roughness of the paper, contribute to the work's unfinished, raw quality, which allows for an intimate view into Breitner's artistic process. The marks on the page show the artist’s hand, revealing much about the speed and rhythm of his work. The strokes are quick and assured, conveying the artist’s immediate impression of the scene, and demonstrating the ease and skill obtained through practice. Breitner’s study offers us a glimpse into the working methods of an artist in the late 19th century, capturing a fleeting moment of observation with minimal means. Ultimately, this work serves as a reminder of the importance of process and materiality in understanding the full scope of an artwork, inviting us to appreciate the labor and skill behind the artistic creation.