Handkar in het water c. 1900 - 1901

This sketch of a handcart in water was made by George Hendrik Breitner using graphite on paper. Rather than focusing on traditional artistic materials, Breitner employed simple tools to capture a scene from everyday life. The linear quality of graphite lends itself to capturing the skeletal structure of the handcart. The sketch reveals its form with minimal shading, emphasizing its utilitarian design. This choice directs our attention to the labor involved in the handcart's use. The presence of water introduces an element of adversity, hinting at the challenges faced by those who relied on such tools for their livelihoods. The sketch captures not just an object, but the broader social context of work and survival. By choosing such a mundane subject, Breitner elevates the everyday into art, challenging traditional distinctions between high art and the realities of working-class life. In doing so, it encourages us to reflect on the value and dignity of labor, and the stories embedded within the objects that surround us.