Paard, kar en mogelijk gebouwen 1880 - 1882

George Hendrik Breitner created this pencil drawing of a horse, cart, and possible buildings, now held at the Rijksmuseum. The sketch presents a dynamic yet unfinished view, dominated by the horse's form, which fills the lower-left quadrant. The composition uses sparse, energetic lines to capture the essence of the scene, creating a sense of immediacy and movement. Breitner’s approach here resonates with the formal explorations of early modernism. There’s an emphasis on capturing the fleeting moment rather than precise detail. The semiotic function of line and form becomes paramount: thick, dark strokes define the horse, while lighter, broken lines suggest the surrounding structures and cart. This minimalist technique invites viewers to complete the image in their minds, destabilizing the traditional representational function of art. Consider how the deliberate lack of detail and the rough texture of the sketch not only depict a scene but also engage with broader questions about perception and the artist's subjective experience.