Weg met paardenkar 1896

George Hendrik Breitner made this quick sketch called 'Weg met paardenkar' in the late 19th or early 20th century. With minimal strokes of graphite, Breitner captures a horse-drawn cart on a road. This sketch offers a glimpse into the changing urban landscape of the Netherlands during this period. The horse-drawn cart, a traditional mode of transport, was gradually being replaced by modern machinery. Breitner, known for his interest in depicting everyday life, seems to have captured this scene as a fleeting moment in time. The sketch is more than just a depiction of a cart; it hints at broader questions of industrialization and progress. What did 'progress' really mean? Who was left behind? Art historians examine sketches like this alongside other sources to understand the social and economic shifts of the time. By studying Breitner's work in context, we can better understand the complex relationship between art, society, and change.