Paard-en-wagen Possibly 1907 - 1911

George Hendrik Breitner made this pencil sketch, Paard-en-wagen, on paper. It's like catching a thought in mid-air, isn't it? Look at how Breitner uses these quick, almost scribbled lines. It's all about the process, the act of seeing and immediately responding. You can feel the energy, the fleeting moment captured with such immediacy. The texture of the paper itself becomes part of the drawing, a subtle backdrop to the horse and carriage emerging from the page. Notice how the lines aren't precious or overworked. There's a beautiful vulnerability here, a willingness to leave things unresolved. In a way, it reminds me of some of Degas’ drawings. They both share that interest in movement, in capturing the essence of a subject with minimal fuss. It's a reminder that art doesn't always have to be about perfection. Sometimes, it's in the sketch, in the raw, unfiltered expression, that we find the most meaning.