Studies van mannen 1872 - 1879

George Hendrik Breitner made these Studies van mannen, or Studies of Men, using graphite on paper. This artwork is made using traditional art materials and processes. The appearance of the artwork is influenced by the qualities of the graphite, which appears grey on the page, and is capable of showing different values depending on the pressure applied by the artist, as well as the texture of the paper. Graphite is a raw material widely available because it is relatively easy to mine. This ready availability can also make it affordable, making it a popular choice for preparatory sketches and drawings. Breitner has imbued this drawing with significance by using an economy of marks to quickly describe his observations of the human body. He has applied his skill with precision and efficiency, using hatching and cross-hatching to define the shadows, light and form of the model. Ultimately, the combination of materials, making and context are important for understanding the artwork, which challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft by elevating the status of preparatory sketches.