Aangespannen paarden en een paardenhoofd 1881 - 1927

Johan Antonie de Jonge made this sketch of harnessed horses and a horse's head. Drawn in the Netherlands during the late 19th and early 20th century, the image resonates with the country's deep-rooted connection to agriculture and its rich artistic traditions. The Netherlands has a history of land reclamation, creating a unique relationship with nature. Horses like these were essential for farming, transport, and trade in the Netherlands, where the landscape is flat and marked by canals. The artist has chosen to capture this scene with charcoal, a medium that lends itself to the quick, expressive lines. It's possible that this was a study for a larger composition. By examining the socio-economic conditions, the role of horses in Dutch society, and the artistic conventions of the period, we can gain insights into the values and concerns that influenced De Jonge and his artistic choices.