Achterlijf van een paard 1887

This graphite sketch on paper of a horse's hindquarters was made by George Hendrik Breitner. The choice of graphite, a readily available and relatively inexpensive material, aligns with Breitner's interest in capturing everyday life and the working class. Graphite lends itself to quick, on-the-spot sketches. Here, the marks are rapidly applied, giving a sense of immediacy and movement. Breitner was known for his interest in photography and its capacity to capture a fleeting moment. The sketch is an open window into the artist’s working process. The layered strokes create a sense of depth and volume. Look closely, and you can see the artist's hand at work, building up the form with economical strokes. Ultimately, this sketch embodies Breitner's commitment to portraying the world around him with directness and honesty. It reminds us that even a humble material like graphite can be used to create works of lasting beauty and significance.