Studieblad, onder andere met zittende kinderen Possibly 1883 - 1886

This study sheet with sitting children was made by George Hendrik Breitner, sometime between the late 19th and early 20th century, using graphite on paper. The material here is very simple. Pencil and paper – humble tools, compared to the grand scale of oil paint or sculpture. But the apparent modesty of the materials belies the sophistication of Breitner’s practice. Look closely, and you’ll notice the economy of his marks. He’s not trying to create a finished work, but rather, he is quickly capturing the essence of his subjects. It’s easy to miss this deftness, because we're so accustomed to seeing slick, highly finished images. But this study sheet reminds us of the value of direct observation, and the importance of process in the creation of art. It is precisely the seemingly effortless quality of the drawing that bears testament to Breitner’s skill as a draughtsman. In his work, the distinction between art and craft simply falls away.