Etende of drinkende paarden Possibly 1881 - 1883

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of horses eating or drinking with pencil on paper. Breitner was known for his ability to capture the energy of urban life, and these studies of horses, often employed as working animals, reflect his interest in the everyday experiences of the working class in Amsterdam. Consider the historical context: Breitner's Amsterdam was a city undergoing rapid industrialization and social change. The sight of working horses was very common, and a reflection of the labor that sustained the city. This sketch offers a glimpse into the lives of animals that were essential to the economy and infrastructure of the city. In its immediacy, this work conveys the physical presence of the horses, their labor, and their lives, and invites us to reflect on our relationship with the animals that share our world.