Studie, mogelijk van een dier c. 1883 - 1885

This sketch, made by George Hendrik Breitner, is of a possibly an animal using graphite on paper. The quick, preliminary marks suggest an artist thinking through form and movement. The material itself, graphite, is key here. Derived from mined sources, it connects the intimate act of drawing to larger economies of extraction and labor. Graphite pencils became widely available in the 19th century, democratizing drawing and allowing artists to capture fleeting moments and everyday subjects. Breitner's choice of this readily available material speaks to a shift in artistic practice, embracing spontaneity over traditional, laborious techniques. The sketch embodies a sense of immediacy, prioritizing the artist's perception and process over a polished, finished product. By valuing the sketch as a work in itself, Breitner challenges conventional hierarchies that elevate finished paintings above preparatory studies. The significance lies not just in the image, but in the trace of the artist's hand and the quiet revolution of accessible materials.