Paarden bij een voederbak, mogelijk in de duinen 1881 - 1883

This graphite drawing, "Horses by a Trough, possibly in the Dunes," was created by George Hendrik Breitner. The composition is divided into two distinct sections. On the left, we see the angular form of a trough with two figures. The right side is a flurry of equine studies: heads, snouts, and various poses captured with a keen eye for anatomical detail. Breitner uses line to suggest form and movement, creating a sense of dynamic energy. The texture of the paper is integral to the work, showing graphite markings and erasures, which reveal Breitner’s process. The sketch embodies a modernist spirit. Rather than aiming for a polished depiction, Breitner embraces the incomplete and fragmentary. This approach mirrors early photographic practices, capturing a fleeting moment. The interplay of lines and forms disrupts conventional representation. Ultimately, this sketch is not just a study of horses, but an exploration of seeing, recording, and representing the world in a rapidly changing era.