Studieblad, onder andere met een aangespannen paard 1880 - 1882

Here is a sketch by George Hendrik Breitner, featuring a horse. The horse is a profound symbol. Consider its presence across cultures and eras: from the steeds of gods to humble farm animals, it signifies power, freedom, and vitality. In classical antiquity, horses drew the chariots of war and triumph. Think of the Roman Empire, where equestrian statues of emperors projected authority. Moving forward, in the medieval age, the knight's warhorse became emblematic of chivalry. But this drawing is not about power. The horse is harnessed, pulling some unseen weight. Perhaps this represents the burdens of modern life, the industrial age. Note how Breitner renders the horse not in heroic detail but with quick, utilitarian lines. It’s a working animal, caught in the machinery of progress. This evokes a deep-seated psychological response, echoing our own sense of being bound by duty and labor. The symbol of the horse, once a beacon of freedom, is here transformed, reflecting the complexities of our modern condition.