Paardenkar 1884 - 1886

This pencil sketch of a horse-drawn cart was made by George Hendrik Breitner, most likely in Amsterdam. Breitner was known for capturing the city's bustling street life. This sketch offers us a glimpse into the working-class areas of Amsterdam during the late 19th century. The horse and cart were essential for transporting goods. Breitner's sketch, with its loose lines and focus on movement, reflects the gritty reality of urban labor. It moves away from the idealized portrayals of rural life that were common in earlier Dutch art. Breitner was associated with the Amsterdam Impressionism movement. They aimed to capture the fleeting moments of everyday life. By studying Breitner's sketchbooks and letters, as well as the social history of Amsterdam, we gain a deeper understanding of the cultural values. We see how this art captured the changing face of the city.