Paarden, mogelijk in een stal 1882

This pencil drawing of horses, possibly in a stable, was made by George Hendrik Breitner, a Dutch artist known for his depictions of working-class life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Breitner was a key figure in the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, which sought to capture the gritty realities of urban existence. Here, we see the artist's characteristic interest in depicting the everyday lives of working animals, likely in Amsterdam. His loose, sketch-like style conveys a sense of immediacy and realism. The drawing offers a glimpse into the social and economic conditions of the time, when horses were still essential for transportation and labor, even as urban centers like Amsterdam were becoming increasingly industrialized. To fully understand Breitner's work, we can consult period newspapers, photographs, and social surveys to learn more about the lives of the people and animals he portrayed. The meaning of art is contingent on the social and institutional context.