Studieblad met paarden, een vrouwenhoofd met hoed en een liggende man Possibly 1883 - 1886

This page of sketches by George Hendrik Breitner presents a study in form and observation, inviting us into the artist's preliminary thoughts. Rendered in pencil, the composition is divided, presenting a series of studies of horses, a woman's head, and a reclining figure. Breitner’s use of line is particularly striking. Quick, gestural marks define the contours of his subjects, capturing their essence with minimal detail. Notice how the varied line weights create depth and shadow, especially in the concentrated areas of the horse's head. The composition is less about polished representation and more about the act of seeing and recording. The sketches challenge our expectations of finish and completion. Breitner seems to be working through ideas, exploring different angles and perspectives. This openness invites us to consider the artistic process itself – the interplay between observation, interpretation, and mark-making. The rawness and immediacy of the work become powerful statements about the nature of artistic exploration.