Staande vrouw 1895 - 1898

This is "Standing Woman," a pencil drawing by George Hendrik Breitner housed in the Rijksmuseum. The sketch, on lined paper, presents a figure with an emphasis on form and the interplay of light and shadow. Breitner's use of rapid, broken lines captures the essence of the figure, prioritizing movement and impression over detailed representation. The composition, almost vertically compressed, directs our attention to the texture of the clothing and the subtle nuances of the face. This approach resonates with the late 19th-century artistic movements that challenged traditional academic styles. Breitner uses a semiotic system where lines and shading act as signs, conveying the subject's presence. Ultimately, the drawing is a study in perception. It prompts a re-evaluation of how we understand form and representation and how the artist used brevity and suggestion to engage viewers in the act of seeing.