Zittende figuur naast een paardenkar Possibly 1882 - 1886

George Hendrik Breitner made this charcoal drawing of a figure by a horse-drawn carriage on paper. Breitner was known for his depictions of everyday life in Amsterdam, and this sketch offers insight into the social fabric of the city during his time. The loose lines and unfinished quality of the sketch suggest that Breitner was more interested in capturing a fleeting moment than creating a polished work. The carriage itself was a common sight in the late 19th century, serving as a mode of transportation for the wealthy and a source of employment for coachmen and stable workers. The figure beside the carriage may have been one of the working class. Breitner's interest in depicting these scenes reflects a broader trend in European art toward realism and a focus on the lives of ordinary people. Further research into the economic conditions of Amsterdam in the late 1800s, as well as the history of transportation and labor, could shed more light on the social context of this drawing.