Paardentuig Possibly 1881 - 1886

George Hendrik Breitner made this drawing of horse tack with pencil on paper. The quick, assured lines suggest that it was made from life, perhaps in the context of his many images of working horses in Amsterdam. What might seem like a humble sketch actually opens up a rich historical vista. The making of harnesses and other equestrian equipment was, and still is, a highly specialized craft. Leather workers and metal smiths collaborate to create durable and functional objects. In the 19th century, this was a significant industry, linked to both military and civilian life. Breitner's focus on the working horse, and its associated gear, underscores his interest in everyday life, in the activities of labor that enabled the economy of the city. Even a simple drawing can reveal this kind of social and cultural depth, if we attend to the object it represents, and how it was made.