Vrouw met hoed, mogelijk op de Dam te Amsterdam c. 1893s - 1903s

This sketchy drawing of a woman in a hat was made by George Hendrik Breitner, probably in Amsterdam, using charcoal on paper. I imagine Breitner quickly capturing the essence of the woman, the charcoal almost dancing across the page. You can almost feel the energy of the Dam Square, can’t you? The scratches and smudges are all part of the story. I see it as a fleeting moment, a glimpse of a stylish woman amidst the bustling crowd. It’s like he is saying “here she is” – she’s just passing by, but I want to fix her in time. Breitner was known for his street scenes and capturing everyday life. I bet he saw something special in her hat, a certain flair that caught his eye. It’s a reminder that even the most ordinary moments can be beautiful. It reminds me of Degas and his pastels of dancers—the fleeting gesture, the imperfect line. These marks remind us of what it’s like to be human, and what it's like to make art.