Paarden op het strand, op de achtergrond een schuit en vissers c. 1867 - 1923

George Hendrik Breitner made this drawing, Horses on the Beach, with pencil, charcoal, and watercolor on paper. The loose strokes and muted tones create an evocative atmosphere. Breitner’s choice of materials and techniques directly informs the artwork's appearance and meaning. The inherent qualities of the charcoal give the image a sense of immediacy, while the watercolor adds subtle washes of color that suggest the dampness of the coastal environment. This combination captures a fleeting moment in time, reflective of the working lives of the fishermen. The marks of the artist's hand are clearly visible, revealing a process rooted in direct observation and skilled execution. By focusing on the working lives of the fishermen and their horses, Breitner blurs the lines between high art and everyday life. This artwork reminds us that the value of art lies not only in its aesthetic appeal but also in its ability to reflect broader social and economic realities.