Figuren voor gebouwen, mogelijk op een kade 1880 - 1882

George Hendrik Breitner created this sketch, "Figuren voor gebouwen, mogelijk op een kade," with graphite on paper. The drawing shows a scene with buildings and figures, possibly on a quayside. The most striking aspect is Breitner’s use of line; it's dynamic, almost vibrating, which gives the sketch a sense of immediacy. The composition is loosely structured, with lines that suggest forms rather than define them. The buildings are hinted at with quick, angular strokes, while the figures are even more ephemeral, barely present in the web of lines. This technique aligns with the principles of modern art, where the representation of reality is less about precise depiction and more about capturing a fleeting moment. Breitner's sketch challenges traditional notions of perspective and detail, emphasizing the raw process of seeing and recording. In this way, the sketch becomes not just a study for a larger work, but a commentary on perception itself.