Paardentram met twee figuren c. 1900 - 1901

George Hendrik Breitner made this drawing of a horse-drawn tram with charcoal on paper. The image gives us a glimpse into the rapidly changing urban landscape of the Netherlands during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Breitner was known for his ability to capture the energy of city life. Look at the quick, sketch-like quality of the lines. They convey a sense of movement and immediacy. The horse-drawn tram itself represents a moment of transition, before the dominance of electric trams and automobiles. How did this new technology shape the daily lives of ordinary people? What impact did it have on social interactions and the experience of urban space? To answer these questions, we might consult sources such as period photographs, city planning documents, and accounts of daily life. Through such research, we can understand the role of this seemingly simple sketch in documenting a pivotal moment in Dutch urban history.