Figuren en een aangespannen paard 1886 - 1923

George Hendrik Breitner created this sketch, Figuren en een aangespannen paard, in the late 19th or early 20th century using graphite. Breitner was known for capturing the energy of Amsterdam, turning away from traditional romanticism to show the gritty reality of city life. In this piece, the impressionistic style gives only a ghost of a scene. The figures and horse are barely there, giving us a sense of transience that reflects the experience of the working classes in Amsterdam. The horse, a symbol of labor, is only lightly sketched, hinting at the strenuous nature of their work and the social divide of the time. Breitner once said he aimed to paint "the people as they walk the streets,". In this sketch, he captures the essence of fleeting moments, inviting viewers to reflect on the lives and labor obscured within bustling cityscapes. The work is simple and unassuming, reflecting the honest portrayal of everyday life.