Duinlandschap en paardenkarren Possibly 1882 - 1886

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of a dune landscape with horse-drawn carts in the Netherlands, probably at the end of the 19th century. Breitner belonged to a generation of artists who saw themselves as reporters of modern life. He was particularly interested in capturing the fleeting moments of everyday life. The sketch gives us a glimpse into the leisure activities of the Dutch at the time. Horse-drawn carts were a popular mode of transportation for visiting the coast, as more and more people, including the middle classes, took the opportunity to spend time at the seaside. As a historian, it's fascinating to explore the cultural meanings attached to leisure and recreation. Old newspapers, tourist guides and local archives can provide insights into the development of tourism and the changing social norms that made such activities popular. The sketch is more than just a pretty picture; it's a window into a specific time and place and tells us something about Dutch society.