Paarden 1880 - 1882

Editor: Breitner's "Paarden," created around 1880-1882, is a pencil and colored pencil drawing on paper currently held at the Rijksmuseum. The sketchy quality makes the horses look ghostly and as if they are moving. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a window into the social and political undercurrents of Breitner's time. These horses aren't just animals; they're emblematic of labor, power, and the rapidly changing urban landscape. Consider how the rise of industrial capitalism impacted both human and animal labor in the late 19th century. What do you think the unfinished quality suggests about Breitner's own relationship to these themes? Editor: I suppose it could mean that he was still trying to work it out for himself. Almost like he was observing the change, instead of drawing conclusions. Curator: Precisely! It speaks to a moment of transition, of societal flux. The "unfinished" quality could be interpreted as a deliberate act—resisting a polished, idealized representation in favor of capturing a raw, almost unsettling reality. Think about the class implications: Who benefited from the labor of these horses, and at what cost? What about their well-being? Editor: That's something I never would have considered. So you're saying this quick sketch might be a subtle critique? Curator: Absolutely. Art doesn't exist in a vacuum. Breitner's choice of subject and his stylistic choices engage with broader conversations about industrialization, labor, and the human-animal relationship. Considering the intersections of race, class, and gender with the development of the urban landscape gives this drawing additional layers of meaning. Editor: Wow, I hadn't thought about this drawing carrying such a weight. Curator: It’s a reminder that even seemingly simple sketches can offer profound insights into the complexities of history. Editor: Definitely gives me a new perspective. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!