Studieblad met mannenhoofden en een paardenhoofd 1880 - 1882

George Hendrik Breitner created this drawing of men and horses, with pencil on paper. The horse's head in art carries rich symbolism across cultures and eras. The animal is the embodiment of vitality, instinct, and untamed power, but here, it appears restrained by harness and bridle. Consider the horses depicted rearing up in battle scenes of the Renaissance—symbols of triumph and nobility, or the lone horse, as seen in the work of Delacroix. The figure often evokes a sense of freedom, adventure, and even melancholy. Here, the horse and men are sketched roughly, capturing a fleeting, immediate impression. The image reminds us that these symbols evolve, taking on new meanings and emotional resonance in each context, forever circling back through our collective consciousness.