Staande vrouw, in profiel c. 1895 - 1898

George Hendrik Breitner sketched this standing woman in profile with graphite. The profile, a time-honored form, carries echoes from ancient coins to Renaissance portraits. Here, the woman's face, captured in a swift, economical line, evokes a sense of timelessness. Consider the gesture of the profile itself. In antiquity, it signified nobility and authority, adorning the visages of rulers. Yet, Breitner's sketch seems to hint at something more personal, vulnerable. This brings to mind the work of artists such as Ghirlandaio, where the profile became a vehicle to express a sitter's humanity and character. This simple act of turning to the side—avoiding direct confrontation—reveals a dance between concealment and revelation. This sketch underscores how the most ancient of forms can still carry the weight of our collective memories and psychological depths. The profile is not merely a depiction; it's a mirror reflecting our own complex relationship with identity.