Gezicht in Rotterdam c. 1873s

George Hendrik Breitner sketched this view in Rotterdam using a graphite pencil on paper. Graphite, composed of pure carbon, has a crystalline structure that allows it to leave a mark when rubbed against a surface. This simple process allows for immediate expression. Breitner's choice of graphite is significant. In the late 19th century, it was ubiquitous, available for anyone to capture their impressions of the world. It was a material that democratized art-making. The sketchiness, the ephemeral quality of the graphite lines, emphasizes the fleeting nature of modern urban life. Breitner uses smudging and hatching techniques, building up the image from a series of marks. These marks, in turn, evoke the bustle of Rotterdam’s port, a hub of labor and trade. The overall effect conveys a sense of a rapidly industrializing society. By focusing on materials and process, we gain a deeper understanding of Breitner’s work, connecting it to broader social and economic changes. It shows how even the simplest materials can be charged with meaning.