Rijtuig, mogelijk een huurrijtuig (aapje) 1886 - 1923

George Hendrik Breitner created this sketch, possibly of a hackney carriage, using black chalk. Breitner worked in the Netherlands during a period of rapid urbanization and social change in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This drawing seems to capture a fleeting moment of urban life. Look closely at the sparse lines and the sketch-like quality, which create a sense of immediacy. The subject is not idealized, but instead, presents a slice of everyday reality: the kind of public transportation available at the time. Breitner was known for his interest in portraying the working class and the urban environment, often challenging the traditional subjects of art. By studying photographs, newspapers, and other visual materials from the time, one can understand how Breitner's work reflected and commented on the social conditions of his time.