Schets van een persoon met een kind

This is a quick drawing by George Hendrik Breitner, of a person with a child, made with pencil on paper. Here, Breitner’s emphasis is on the immediacy of the scene before him, capturing a fleeting moment in line. The visible hatching and quick strokes give a sense of the artist’s hand at work, and the speed at which the drawing was executed. The texture of the paper plays an important role, too, giving tooth to the pencil. The composition is dynamic, with an emphasis on capturing the weight and form of the figure and child. The sketch possesses a rawness often unseen in the traditional fine arts. Yet the ease with which the artist coaxes form from simple lines shows a masterful understanding, challenging any divide between fine art and craft. Breitner’s focus on the everyday brings an interesting social dimension to this piece, focusing on working-class subjects. It's a powerful reminder that art can be found in the most unassuming of materials and moments.