Studie, mogelijk van een wagen 1884 - 1886

This sketch, "Studie, mogelijk van een wagen," was made by George Hendrik Breitner sometime between 1857 and 1923. Breitner was known for his depictions of working-class life in Amsterdam, often using photography to capture the raw, unvarnished reality of the city. This sketch might seem simple, but it reflects a significant shift in art during Breitner's time. Away from romanticized portrayals of the elite, artists began to focus on the everyday experiences of ordinary people. We see a glimpse into the lives of those who relied on horse-drawn carriages for their livelihoods. Think about the labor involved, the social hierarchy of the city, and the artist’s choice to document this scene. Breitner once said he aimed to be a "people's painter." Consider how this sketch invites us to see the beauty and dignity in the mundane aspects of urban life. It’s a testament to the power of art to connect us with different experiences, and to challenge conventional ideas of what is considered worthy of representation.