Paard 1881 - 1883

This study of a horse, ‘Paard’, was sketched by George Hendrik Breitner, probably in the late 19th or early 20th century, using graphite on paper. The eye is immediately drawn to the rapid, almost frenetic lines capturing the horse’s form. Breitner masterfully uses minimal strokes to define the animal's posture and musculature, revealing a deep understanding of anatomy. The sketch has a sense of immediacy with its spontaneous marks. To the left, the barely legible text adds another layer of meaning, perhaps notes or observations that further contextualize the study within Breitner's artistic process. Breitner's approach, characterized by its raw and unpolished quality, aligns with the broader artistic movements of the late 19th century, like Impressionism and Realism, that sought to capture fleeting moments and everyday subjects. The composition, seemingly simple, destabilizes traditional academic approaches to drawing, emphasizing instead the artist's subjective perception and the dynamic energy of the subject. The sketch invites us to contemplate the nature of representation itself, reminding us that art is not merely a mirror reflecting reality but a complex interplay between perception, expression, and interpretation.