Gezicht op de Sint-Bavokerk in Haarlem c. 1906 - 1923

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of the Sint-Bavokerk in Haarlem using graphite on paper. Here, Breitner's approach to drawing is very direct. The graphite lines vary in pressure and direction, capturing the architectural details with speed and efficiency. The artist conveys the essence of the church's facade. The medium of graphite lends itself to quick, on-site studies, allowing artists to capture fleeting moments and impressions. Graphite became industrialized in the 19th-century, and available in different grades of hardness, making it an appealing and accessible choice for working-class artists. The sketch is a testament to the artist’s skill and the immediacy of the drawing process. The use of a relatively inexpensive material like graphite suggests an interest in accessibility and the democratic potential of art-making, and it's important to remember that even a preliminary sketch embodies a deliberate creative choice.