Landschap met paardenkarren 1884 - 1886

This landscape with horse-drawn carts was made by George Hendrik Breitner using graphite on paper. The grainy texture of the paper shows through the sketch, contrasting with the smooth darkness of the graphite. Here, the artist has deployed a common medium to capture an uncommon subject. We see the labor of working people, recorded quickly and efficiently. Breitner was interested in capturing scenes from everyday life, and he would often make many sketches like this one of working-class people and places. It reminds us that even a simple drawing carries social and political implications, challenging the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft. By emphasizing the value of recording the laboring classes, he elevated them.