Figuurstudies 1897

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of figures in the late 19th or early 20th century, using graphite on paper. The lined paper itself is a common, everyday material, suggesting this was a preliminary study rather than a finished work. Breitner's quick, almost scribbled lines capture the essence of the figures, focusing on their forms and gestures. The graphite allows for a range of tonal values, creating depth and shadow with simple strokes. The process of sketching is immediate and direct, allowing the artist to quickly record observations and ideas. The use of such accessible materials and a rapid technique implies a sense of urgency, capturing a fleeting moment in time. It challenges the traditional hierarchy between finished artwork and preparatory sketch, inviting us to appreciate the raw energy and immediacy of the creative process.