Kop van een dier 1880 - 1882

This is George Hendrik Breitner's sketch of an animal's head from the late 19th or early 20th century. The animal, perhaps a horse or dog, is captured with swift strokes, its essence distilled through the artist’s keen observation. Since the dawn of art history, animal heads have served as potent symbols, from the protective deities of ancient Egypt, rendered with the heads of jackals and birds, to the totemic figures of indigenous cultures. These images tap into our primal connection with the animal kingdom, embodying traits we admire or fear—strength, loyalty, cunning. Consider how the horse’s head, a symbol of nobility and power, frequently appears in classical sculpture. The subtle tilt and undefined details here evoke a raw, emotive response. It transcends mere representation, resonating with our inherent understanding of animal vulnerability. This resonates deeply, engaging us on a subconscious level with the timeless cycle of life and the enduring bond between humans and animals.