Paard-en-wagen Possibly 1883 - 1886

This sketch of a horse and carriage is by George Hendrik Breitner and is held in the Rijksmuseum. Rendered with graphite on paper, the composition exhibits a dynamic interplay of lines, capturing a fleeting moment. The swift, almost frenetic marks convey a sense of movement and immediacy, drawing us into the bustling atmosphere of the scene. Breitner’s sketch destabilizes the traditional, static depiction of urban life. The lines intersect and overlap, creating a sense of depth and volume. The absence of definitive contours and shading challenges our perception, inviting us to piece together the forms and spaces. The sketch engages with emerging ideas of modernity, fragmentation, and the transient nature of experience. The lack of detail forces the viewer to engage actively, projecting their own interpretation onto the work. The sketch invites us to reflect on the relationship between representation and reality. It underscores the notion that art is not a mirror reflecting the world but a lens refracting it through the artist's vision.