Paard 1896 - 1897

Here we see a sketch of horses, by George Hendrik Breitner. In their simple and expressive lines, these figures carry within them echoes of equine symbolism across cultures. The horse, a motif deeply embedded in the human psyche, transcends mere representation. From the steeds of ancient Greek gods to the warhorses of medieval knights, they have embodied power, freedom, and nobility. Consider the horses in Paolo Uccello's "Battle of San Romano," where they convey the tumult and chaos of battle, a far cry from the grace we see here. Yet, even in Breitner’s minimalist sketch, the subconscious resonates. The horse, archetypally, is a symbol of untamed instincts and vital energy, inviting us to confront our primal selves. This sketch, with its fluid lines, captures the essence of the horse, its spirit unbroken, galloping through the collective memory of humankind.