Paard 1896 - 1901

Curator: Breitner's "Paard," dating from 1896 to 1901, a pencil sketch on toned paper held within the Rijksmuseum's collection, captures my attention immediately. Editor: It has a striking immediacy, doesn't it? Almost brutally so, really raw and unfinished. A horse barely conjured into existence. I am interested in its function in the evolution of its aesthetic presence: was this merely process driven by production or… Curator: Quite, you highlight materiality and manufacture, where as the quick strokes suggest a fleeting observation; perhaps Breitner was interested in a common symbol: the power of the animal, horses as instruments of war, or transport. One considers both. The rough texture of the paper is very evident. Editor: Indeed, this feels like an exercise in mark-making first and foremost. How many sheets similar to this one accumulated and circulated? And for whom? Note how he experiments here on disposable support. Pencil as primary method for creating the outline then filling in the muscle mass with layers that give both volume while still hinting lightly under each form: an intentional lack which lets more tonal colors escape and shapes everything differently; the choice wasn’t accidental at creating less solidity versus full commitment…a more powerful choice Curator: And speaking to choice, what significance do you attach to Breitner focusing specifically on a horse, and the time? It evokes a past era even within its creation: referencing classicism without adhering, it's about the suggestion not faithful visual recall. Does this equine symbol resonate beyond mere aesthetic fascination for Breitner? Editor: Horses do serve many functions beyond practicality and artistic vision depending up when one studies time/use periods when producing content around different needs like marketing products themselves! Looking critically within sketchbook though instead seeing that all types would lend more directness; Breitners talent shown! This gives value overall as well without feeling “produced” strictly under commerce regulations etc because originality trumps when someone can use creative freedoms by creating something original using pencil sketch drawings from own sketchbook… Curator: Thank you; your view really allows me to explore further in his world where horses provide some grounding while allowing himself creative ability shine throughout works made throughout career! I feel more insightful thanks mostly by learning its overall aesthetic impacts rather when looking through surface only as it holds greater aesthetic relevance from these methods explained already…