Paard op het Damrak te Amsterdam c. 1886 - 1891

This pencil drawing, by George Hendrik Breitner, captures a horse on the Damrak in Amsterdam. The simplicity of the materials – graphite on paper – belies the drawing's significance. Look closely, and you'll see the essence of Breitner's approach. Rapid lines create an impression of the scene, prioritizing the horse as a key element within the urban landscape. This was not a polished, academic exercise, but a quick sketch. The artist wanted to capture a moment in time, rather than meticulously rendering every detail. Breitner’s choice of media and technique speaks to a shift in artistic values at the turn of the century, away from formal studio practice. He embraced immediacy and the gritty reality of urban life, placing value on the fleeting moments of everyday life. This drawing invites us to see the beauty in the ordinary, and to appreciate the skill required to capture it with such economy of means.