Figuur naast een paardenkar Possibly 1882 - 1886

George Hendrik Breitner made this drawing with black chalk on paper. It's a quick, intimate look at everyday life, capturing a figure next to a horse-drawn cart. The immediacy of chalk allows Breitner to sketch the scene with remarkable speed, emphasizing the rough textures and fleeting qualities of urban life. The marks are direct, raw, and unpolished, creating a sense of realism that reflects the grittiness of the working class environment. Think about the labor involved in horse-drawn transport, the working class conditions of the people who relied on these carts for their livelihoods. By focusing on these subjects, Breitner elevates the everyday experiences of ordinary people, challenging traditional artistic hierarchies. This drawing highlights the value of recording everyday experiences. It also invites us to reconsider the role of craft in capturing social realities.