Twee topgevels en een paard 1881 - 1883

George Hendrik Breitner made this drawing, "Two Gables and a Horse," using graphite on paper. Graphite, a basic material, allows for quick sketches, capturing fleeting moments. Here, we see Breitner's interest in the architecture of Amsterdam, and the everyday presence of working animals. The sketch emphasizes the contrast between the ornate gables, indicative of skilled craftsmanship and the wealth of their owners, and the horse, a symbol of labor and transport. The drawing's quick lines and unfinished quality reflect the rapid pace of urban life and industrialization in the late 19th century. Breitner, known for his paintings of Amsterdam street life, used drawing as a tool to document the changing urban landscape. By focusing on both the decorative and the functional aspects of the city, Breitner blurs the lines between high art and everyday life, elevating the ordinary to the realm of artistic observation. This approach challenges traditional notions of what is worthy of artistic representation.