Paardenbenen 1881 - 1883

This sketch of horse legs was made by George Hendrik Breitner, a Dutch artist who lived from 1857 to 1923. Breitner was known for his depictions of working-class life in Amsterdam, and his gritty, unromantic style reflected his interest in capturing the realities of urban existence. His choice of subject matter, often focusing on the everyday lives of ordinary people, challenged the traditional art world's emphasis on idealized beauty and historical grandeur. Breitner sought to portray the experiences of those often overlooked in society, and in this sketch we find a certain grace in this anatomical study. While horses might seem removed from direct social commentary, their presence in the city was deeply intertwined with labor, transportation, and the economic realities of the time. The sketch serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of human and animal lives, inviting us to consider the often unseen labor that sustains urban life. There is an undeniable beauty in this straightforward depiction.