Twee paarden 1881 - 1883

This pencil drawing of two horses was made by George Hendrik Breitner, a Dutch artist known for his depictions of Amsterdam and its working class. Breitner belonged to a generation of artists who reacted against the established art institutions of the Netherlands. Rejecting the romanticism of the past, they turned to the gritty realities of modern urban life, taking inspiration from French Realist painters such as Courbet and the Impressionist movement. This sketch is typical of Breitner's interest in capturing everyday scenes. As social conditions in Amsterdam changed at the end of the 19th century, he often sketched working horses. His paintings and drawings offer a glimpse into a society undergoing rapid transformation. To fully appreciate Breitner's work, we must consider the social and economic factors that shaped his artistic vision. His images questioned traditional notions of beauty and challenged the established art world to confront the realities of modern life. We can consult historical archives, letters, and contemporary accounts to understand the significance of his work.