Paardenstudies en een figuur, op de rug gezien 1880 - 1882

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of horses and a figure, seen from the back, sometime during his career in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Breitner was known for his depictions of working-class life in Amsterdam, often capturing scenes of everyday life with an unflinching realism. In this sketch, the anonymity of the figure, presented from behind, invites us to consider the lives of ordinary people who often go unseen. The horses, likely subjects Breitner encountered frequently in the city, are rendered with a similar sense of immediacy. Breitner's interest in capturing fleeting moments reflects the broader artistic concerns of his time, as artists sought to represent the changing realities of modern life. Breitner once said, "I see nothing beautiful about elegant women... I love the common people, the simple, unadorned people," a sentiment that resonates with this piece. The sketch offers a glimpse into the artist's social consciousness and his commitment to portraying the unvarnished realities of his surroundings. It is a reminder of the beauty and dignity found in the everyday lives of ordinary people.