Liggende hond 1880 - 1882

George Hendrik Breitner created this sketch of a resting dog, sometime between 1880 and 1923. Breitner was known for his depictions of working-class life in Amsterdam. His impressionistic style captured the grit and energy of the city. However, the image of the dog offers a moment of quiet, removed from the bustle of urban life. Dogs, often seen as symbols of loyalty, appear frequently in art history. In this sketch, though, the dog is not idealized; it is simply resting. The loose lines suggest a sense of intimacy. Breitner seems to capture the dog in a private, unguarded moment. This choice reflects the changing social values of the time. There was a growing interest in domestic life and the emotional bonds between humans and animals. "I am not a painter for the Salon," Breitner once said, "I paint the people." This sketch captures an intimate moment in the life of an animal, reflecting the shifting cultural values of Breitner’s time.