Annotaties c. 1886 - 1890

This annotated sketch was created by George Hendrik Breitner, capturing notes of a historical and visual journey. The handwritten words, almost like runes, invite us into Breitner's stream of consciousness. Consider how handwriting itself carries symbolic weight. In earlier times, calligraphy was an esteemed art, with each stroke imbued with meaning. Here, the casual script hints at a personal, immediate connection to the subject. The looping letters and crossed-out words remind me of the palimpsest, where layers of writing reveal hidden histories. Think of ancient illuminated manuscripts, where text and image blend to create a sacred whole. The raw, unfiltered nature of this sketch engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level. It is a testament to how even the simplest marks can carry profound emotional and cultural significance, echoing across time. These fleeting impressions remind us that symbols are not static, they are in flux. They are constantly resurfacing and evolving across time and space.