Twee figuren 1884 - 1886

George Hendrik Breitner created "Twee figuren," a pencil drawing that presents two sketched figures across a double page, its composition striking in its study of form through line and space. Breitner employs a minimalist approach, using sparse yet confident lines to define the contours and suggest form. The lines, varying in thickness and intensity, create a sense of depth and volume, drawing the eye to the interplay between positive and negative space. The contrast between the defined figure on the left and the indistinct form on the right page creates a sense of incompleteness. Breitner challenges traditional notions of representation by focusing on the essential elements of form and structure. His drawing invites us to consider how even the simplest of lines can convey complex ideas about the human form and its presence within space. It is a formal exercise that, while appearing unfinished, speaks volumes about the artist's method and his engagement with the very essence of drawing.