Studieblad met staande vrouwen 1886 - 1923

This is Studieblad met staande vrouwen, made by George Hendrik Breitner, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century, with graphite on paper. The quick, loose lines, so characteristic of a sketch, make visible Breitner’s rapid hand movements. You can almost feel the artist's presence, capturing fleeting moments and gestures. The graphite is applied with varying pressure, creating depth and shadow, and volume. The choice of graphite as a medium suggests a sense of immediacy and accessibility, in stark contrast to the laborious processes of oil painting. It allowed Breitner to quickly record his observations of everyday life. There is a directness that brings these women to life, without any artifice. Breitner's emphasis on material, making, and context enriches our understanding of his work, challenging traditional notions of what constitutes art. It reminds us that art is not just about the final product, but also about the processes and social conditions that bring it into being.