Figuren, mogelijk op straat c. 1909

This sketch of figures, possibly on a street, was made by George Hendrik Breitner, likely in a sketchbook, with graphite. You can almost feel the speed with which the artist captured the scene, not trying to be complete, but rather embracing the feeling of constant motion. I think about the texture of the graphite on the page, so immediate and raw. The smudges and varied pressure give the impression of a bustling city street. Look at the lower part of the sketch, there's a concentration of marks there, almost like a shadow or a cluster of people waiting. I love how these areas of high density contrast with the pale open spaces. It reminds me of Degas' sketches, where the lines are exploratory and the composition is secondary to the act of seeing and recording an impression. Art doesn’t always have to be about perfection; sometimes, it’s about capturing the fleeting moments, the blur of life.