Hond 1893

This quick sketch of a dog, or ‘Hond’ in Dutch, was created by George Hendrik Breitner during a time when the Netherlands was undergoing rapid urbanization and social change. Breitner, known for his intimate depictions of Amsterdam and its working class, used sketches like this to capture fleeting moments of everyday life. Breitner was interested in representing the realities of his time. He used his art to explore the shifting identities within a society marked by industrial progress. The dog, a common subject throughout art history, often symbolizes loyalty and companionship. Here, however, the rough and fleeting nature of the sketch perhaps presents a more complex reading. This sketch allows us to reflect on the relationship between humans and animals in an era of industrial change, inviting a dialogue about how societal shifts impact our connections with each other.