Paarden c. 1889 - 1904

George Hendrik Breitner created this drawing, "Paarden," which translates to "Horses," using graphite on paper. The sketch gives us a glimpse into Breitner's working process, focusing on capturing movement and form through a network of lines. The composition feels immediate and raw, with the horses emerging from a web of quick, gestural marks. Looking closely, the lines vary in weight and direction, creating a sense of depth and energy, almost as if we're seeing the scene in motion. Breitner seems less concerned with precise detail and more interested in conveying the essence of the subject. This approach aligns with a broader shift in late 19th-century art towards capturing subjective experience and the fleeting moments of modern life. The sketch's incompleteness invites us to consider the interplay between presence and absence, suggesting that meaning is not just in what is depicted but also in what is left unsaid. The dynamic quality of the lines serves to evoke a sense of vitality. This artwork remains open to our interpretation, its power lying in its ability to evoke a feeling, to suggest rather than define, reflecting the ongoing evolution of artistic expression.