Paarden aan de Lauriergracht te Amsterdam 1892 - 1900

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of horses on the Lauriergracht in Amsterdam using graphite on paper. It encapsulates the dynamism of urban life in the late 19th century. Breitner was known for his interest in depicting the everyday existence of the working class. This sketch offers a glimpse into the culture of labor in Amsterdam, where horses were still essential for transport and trade. Consider the social conditions of artistic production at this time. Breitner and other artists challenged the norms of the art institutions that favored more traditional and idealized subjects. To understand this work better, we can explore the archives of the Amsterdam municipal authorities, as well as the records of the art societies and galleries that Breitner was associated with. Through this research, we can appreciate how Breitner’s sketch reflects the changing social and economic landscape of Amsterdam.