Twee hoofden c. 1882

George Hendrik Breitner made this drawing, "Two Heads," using graphite on paper. It's a quick study, more about capturing form and shadow than providing a finished likeness. The visible strokes of the graphite reveal Breitner's process. See how he uses hatching to build up tone, especially on the hat? This wasn’t just about depicting appearances, but understanding how light falls on a surface. Drawing was fundamental to Breitner’s practice, acting as a kind of visual note-taking. Think of it as the artist's equivalent of a writer’s journal. These sketches allowed him to explore compositions and refine his vision. By focusing on the humble materials and process, we recognize the labor involved in image-making, reminding us that even the most seemingly effortless artwork is rooted in a tradition of skilled practice.