Figuren bij paardenkarren c. 1886 - 1923

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, "Figuren bij paardenkarren," in the Netherlands using graphite. In this small work, Breitner captures figures with horse-drawn carts, providing a glimpse into the everyday life of his time. Breitner was known for his interest in depicting the bustling city streets and working-class life of Amsterdam during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His art often reflected the social and economic changes occurring in the Netherlands as it industrialized. He worked outside the formal institutions of the art world. His work was not academic, and his sketch could be interpreted as a commentary on the changing social landscape of the Netherlands. Was he showing empathy or disdain? To better understand Breitner’s vision, one might delve into the archives of Dutch social history, exploring photographs, newspapers, and accounts of daily life in Amsterdam during his time. Art history becomes a tool for interpreting the complex relationship between art and society.