Twee paarden, mogelijk op een bouwterrein 1897

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of two horses, possibly on a construction site, using graphite on paper. The rough quality of the graphite medium lends itself well to capturing the scene’s gritty atmosphere. The swift, assertive strokes suggest Breitner was more interested in capturing the scene’s essence than precise details. The paper itself, with its grid lines, feels like a utilitarian choice, fitting for a working sketch. The choice of such humble materials emphasizes the everyday, working-class reality he often depicted. Horses were still crucial for labor in Breitner’s time, embodying themes of work, industry, and the changing urban landscape. This drawing offers insight into the artist’s process and the social context of his time, reminding us that even a quick sketch can carry significant cultural meaning beyond the traditional boundaries of fine art.