Paardenbeen en een paardenhoofd 1883 - 1885

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch, "Paardenbeen en een paardenhoofd," which translates to "Horse Leg and a Horse Head," using graphite on paper. Breitner was deeply involved in Amsterdam's art scene and the societal issues of his time. His vision was captivated by the working class, and he often depicted the lives of ordinary people. Yet here, instead of the human form, we find the anatomy of a horse laid bare. It reminds us of the relationship between humans and animals, particularly in the context of labor. Horses were essential for transportation and industry. Breitner's choice to focus on the horse may reflect a deeper commentary on the nature of work, class, and existence. His work provides a lens through which we can consider the complex layers of urban life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.