Paardenbenen 1884 - 1886

George Hendrik Breitner created this sketch, "Paardenbenen", using graphite on paper. Breitner was a key figure in the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, and he was deeply interested in capturing the dynamism of city life, especially the working class. In this sketch, the fragmented lines depicting horse legs offer a glimpse into the laboring world that fueled Amsterdam's economy, while also subtly revealing prevailing attitudes toward the animals that were crucial to the city's functioning. These animals, much like the working class, were often rendered invisible despite their essential contributions. Breitner himself said he was "always on the lookout for occasions to be in the midst of the rabble.” Notice how Breitner doesn’t offer a complete or romanticized picture of labor; instead, he captures fleeting moments. This offers us a glimpse into the lives and conditions of both the working class and the animals alongside them. Breitner’s sketch invites us to consider how we perceive and value different forms of labor, both human and animal, within a society.