Aangespannen paard 1883 - 1885

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, “Aangespannen paard”, using graphite. Breitner was known for capturing the dynamism of urban life in Amsterdam during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In this work, the visible pencil strokes exemplify the gritty reality of working animals within the city. The horse, caught in a moment of stillness amidst its labor, evokes a sense of empathy and recognition of the animal's contribution to the city's economy. Breitner’s impressionistic style captures a fleeting moment. Breitner was interested in portraying the lives of ordinary people and working-class subjects, often depicting women, laborers, and scenes of daily life with an unvarnished realism. He moved away from traditional, romanticized depictions of Dutch life, opting instead for a more authentic and immediate representation of his surroundings. The emotional depth of the piece lies in its stark portrayal of the working class.