Figuurstudies, onder andere van een zittende man c. 1898 - 1914

George Hendrik Breitner made these figure studies, including one of a seated man, with graphite on paper. It's a decidedly unfussy choice of material. Paper and graphite are workaday supports, available to anyone. The artist's labor is quite evident here. You can see in the figure’s postures—bending over or sitting wearily on a stool—that Breitner was concerned with the physical presence of his subjects. Graphite allows the artist to make quick marks and capture fleeting moments, but at the expense of color and richness. The choice to depict these figures, perhaps workers, with such modest materials suggests a deliberate artistic decision. Rather than glorifying the subjects with lavish materials or meticulous detail, Breitner’s sketch captures the dignity of labor and the essence of everyday life. The focus on making, materials, and context helps us appreciate the social significance of this simple yet powerful work.