Studie, mogelijk van een gezadeld paard 1884 - 1886

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, possibly of a saddled horse, using graphite. Breitner was known for his depictions of working-class life and the urban environment in Amsterdam during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Breitner’s position as an artist allowed him to observe and document aspects of society, which can be seen as an intersectional view of urban life. The image provides us with a glimpse into the relationship between humans and animals in a rapidly industrializing world. The use of horses for transportation and labor reflects both the practical needs and the social hierarchies of the time. The sketch has a sense of immediacy. It reminds us that art can capture fleeting moments and untold stories. In his own words, Breitner sought to capture "the atmosphere and the movement of the street." This sketch invites us to consider the countless untold stories embedded in the daily lives of ordinary people and animals.