Jonge vrouwen op de hoek van de Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal en de Paleisstraat te Amsterdam c. 1894

This sketch of young women on a street corner in Amsterdam was made by George Hendrik Breitner using charcoal on paper. The medium of charcoal is key here: it allows for a real immediacy, a rapid capturing of a fleeting moment. Look at the strong, dark lines, almost aggressively applied to the page. You can sense the artist's hand at work, quickly blocking in forms and shadows. This isn't about careful rendering, but about getting the essence of the scene down fast. The lined paper, likely from a readily available notebook, further emphasizes the everyday nature of the scene. It's a casual choice of support, not a precious surface. This aligns with Breitner's interest in depicting the gritty realities of urban life, rather than idealized or romanticized views. The sketch feels honest and unpretentious, reflecting the social context of his subjects and the working-class neighborhoods he frequented. Paying attention to materials and making helps us see beyond the surface, revealing the artist's intentions and the social realities he sought to capture.