Kop van een dier c. 1883 - 1885

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of an animal's head, using charcoal on paper. Breitner worked in the Netherlands during a time of rapid urbanization and industrialization. He is known for his realistic depictions of working-class life in Amsterdam. Looking at this image, we might consider how Breitner's training at the academies, institutions that had strong conventions and expectations, may have influenced his practice. While his paintings often capture bustling street scenes, here, the artist takes a different approach. It is a quick study, a moment of observation, perhaps capturing a horse that was used for the working class. It contrasts with the prevailing traditions of history painting, which were supported by the Dutch art academies. By examining the social and institutional contexts in which Breitner worked, we gain a deeper understanding of his artistic choices and their significance. This kind of understanding relies on careful archival research and attention to the prevailing cultural values of the time.