Rijtuig 1893 - 1894

George Hendrik Breitner created this drawing of a carriage, or 'Rijtuig' in Dutch, on paper at an unknown date. Breitner was a key figure in the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, capturing the dynamic, everyday life of the city. Through loose, energetic strokes, Breitner depicts a common scene, likely in Amsterdam: a horse-drawn carriage amidst the urban landscape. The sketch’s rough and unfinished quality is a reflection of Breitner’s interest in documenting modern life as it unfolded, rather than idealizing it. The late 19th century was a period of rapid industrialization and urbanization in the Netherlands and Breitner sought to capture the changing social landscape through his art. His subjects often included the working class and their environment. Understanding Breitner's work requires us to delve into the visual culture and social history of the Netherlands during this transformative period. Paintings, photographs, and documentary accounts can shed light on the significance of his images and deepen our appreciation of this slice of Dutch life.