Paardentram bij avond c. 1886 - 1903

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of a horse-drawn tram at night, likely in Amsterdam, where he lived and worked. The sketch gives us more than just a picture of a tram; it offers a glimpse into the modernization of urban life in the late 19th century Netherlands. Public transport like the horse tram was reshaping social interactions and urban spaces. The quick, loose charcoal strokes capture the fleeting moments of city life. Breitner was interested in depicting the everyday experiences of ordinary people. His work provides a social commentary on the changing face of Dutch society, marked by industrialization and urbanization. Art historians rely on various sources to understand Breitner's work. This includes studying the archives of urban development, passenger statistics of public transport, and the artist's own letters and notes. Such research helps us to see art as deeply embedded in its time, reflecting and shaping the world around it.