Paard en wagen 1890 - 1946

Cornelis Vreedenburgh captured this sketch of a horse and carriage, titled "Paard en wagen," using graphite on paper. Vreedenburgh, who lived through both World Wars, had a particular interest in landscapes and cityscapes, yet this drawing offers a different perspective. In the early 20th century, the horse was still a symbol of labor, deeply connected with rural and urban economies. Consider for a moment, the relationship between humans and animals, particularly horses. Historically, they’ve been essential to our modes of transportation. This raises questions about labor, class, and our reliance on animals. What do you feel when you look at this drawing? Is there an emotional connection? Does it remind you of a time when life moved at a slower pace, or perhaps of the physical demands placed on both humans and animals? Vreedenburgh’s sketch opens a window into a past that is both familiar and distant, inviting us to reflect on the evolution of our relationship with the world.