Figuren bij trampaarden c. 1886 - 1923

This pencil drawing, Figuren bij trampaarden, was created by George Hendrik Breitner. The immediacy of drawing allows the artist to capture the essence of a scene with minimal means. The quick, loose lines suggest movement and energy, focusing on the figures of people and horses. It's the kind of sketch that shows the artist thinking with the pencil in hand. Breitner was known for his interest in capturing the everyday life of Amsterdam. The rough quality of the drawing hints at the labor involved, not just in the physical act of drawing, but also in the scenes depicted. The tram horses represent a working-class reality, the engine of urban transportation before mechanization fully took over. The drawing reflects the artist's direct engagement with the social context around him. By valuing such a seemingly simple sketch, we recognize the significance of both the subject matter and the artistic process.