Schutblad B 1872 - 1879

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, Schutblad B, with a pencil. Breitner lived during a period of immense social and political change. The Netherlands was evolving, and Breitner, known for his raw and unflinching depictions of urban life, captured these shifts. This sketch offers a glimpse into his process. The loose lines suggest an artist in motion, quickly capturing fleeting moments or ideas. It reminds me of the artist’s feelings as he translated what he saw onto the page. Breitner was known for his interest in the lives of ordinary people, particularly those on the margins of society. While this sketch doesn't explicitly depict a social scene, it invites us to consider the artist's perspective. This piece shows us that even in its most skeletal form, art begins with the personal act of seeing, and in Breitner's case, a deep engagement with the world around him.