Paarden en figuren c. 1886 - 1923

George Hendrik Breitner made this drawing, ‘Paarden en figuren,’ with black chalk on paper. Breitner lived and worked in the Netherlands, during a time of rapid industrialization and urbanization, and a growing awareness of social issues and inequalities. Breitner was known for his ability to capture the energy and movement of urban life, and his focus on the working class set him apart from his contemporaries. This sketch shows his interest in capturing fleeting moments and his emphasis on the ordinary. Breitner was deeply committed to representing the everyday realities of life in Amsterdam, and his art often served as a form of social commentary. By studying his personal papers, his other artworks, and the cultural context of the time, one can more clearly see the social and institutional forces at play in Breitner’s work, recognizing the cultural value of his images.