Man bij paarden 1883 - 1885

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, Man bij paarden, using graphite on paper. Graphite, essentially pencil lead, has been a readily available drawing material since the 16th century, prized for its ability to create a range of light and dark tones. The material’s inherent qualities strongly influence this piece. Breitner’s rough, quick strokes harness the graphite's softness to suggest movement and form with minimal detail. The sketch captures a fleeting moment of working-class life, perhaps glimpsed in the streets of Amsterdam. Breitner was known for his interest in depicting everyday life, and here, the directness of graphite aligns perfectly with his desire to capture the raw energy of the urban environment. There is a sense of urgency imbued into the work, echoing the working lives of the man and the horses. By focusing on the materials and the making process, we can appreciate how Breitner elevated a humble medium to convey powerful observations about labor and society.