Studieblad met een konijn en een kat c. 1882

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of a rabbit and a cat, among other figures, in the late 19th or early 20th century. Breitner was a Dutch painter and photographer known for his gritty depictions of urban life in Amsterdam. This drawing offers a glimpse into Breitner's artistic process, revealing his interest in capturing everyday life. During this period, rapid urbanization and industrialization were transforming European society, challenging traditional artistic conventions. Breitner, like many of his contemporaries, sought to portray the realities of modern existence, including its more mundane aspects. Here, he seems to be studying the movements and forms of animals in a domestic setting, perhaps as studies for larger compositions. Unlike the grand narratives of academic painting, Breitner focused on intimate, personal observations. This sketch invites us to consider the relationship between humans and animals, and the role of art in representing the world around us. In its simplicity, it reveals a quiet beauty and a deep appreciation for the ordinary.