Figuur op een paard-en-wagen c. 1895 - 1898

This is a charcoal drawing of a figure on a horse and cart made by George Hendrik Breitner, likely in Amsterdam during the late 19th century. The sketch is on paper from a sketchbook, which lends it a casual, momentary feel. Breitner was known for his depictions of daily life in Amsterdam, and this sketch provides a glimpse into the city's bustling streets. You can see here the rapid lines that capture the movement of the horse and cart, and how Breitner was interested in conveying the energy of the urban environment. His choice to focus on scenes from everyday life, rather than traditional historical or mythological subjects, reflects a shift in artistic interests toward the realities of modern life. To fully understand Breitner's work, art historians investigate his place in the context of the Hague School, and consult resources like city archives. In this way we can reconstruct the social world that shaped his art, and appreciate its unique contribution to the cultural history of the Netherlands.