Annotaties 1895 - 1898

This sketch by George Hendrik Breitner, preserved at the Rijksmuseum, confronts us with numbers and cryptic architectural symbols, inviting us to unravel its hidden language. At first glance, the mathematical calculations interwoven with rudimentary architectural sketches may seem mundane. Yet, these symbols serve as more than mere utilitarian tools. They represent the symbolic foundation of construction—the creation of shelter and order from chaos. We see echoes of Vitruvius's theories, where proportions dictated harmony. These humble annotations mirror humanity's timeless quest to impose order onto the world. This pursuit resurfaces in diverse cultural expressions, from Egyptian pyramid construction to Renaissance city planning. The act of sketching, of organizing through numbers, suggests the artist's subconscious desire to control and understand their environment. Like a modern-day labyrinth, it resonates with a deeper, subconscious yearning for structure. This emotional undercurrent in Breitner’s sketch demonstrates how even the most seemingly prosaic symbols harbor profound cultural and psychological significance. It is a pattern that repeats itself throughout time.