Strijdende soldaten, deels te paard 1872 - 1879

George Hendrik Breitner, a Dutch artist active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, created this sketch titled 'Strijdende soldaten, deels te paard,' which translates to 'Fighting Soldiers, Partly on Horseback,' and is currently located at the Rijksmuseum. Breitner, who was deeply invested in depicting the realities of his time, presents us with a scene of conflict, yet it's rendered with a certain ambiguity. The absence of specific historical markers invites us to consider broader themes of power, aggression, and their impact on individuals. The sketch emphasizes the physical strain and chaotic nature of combat. Breitner captures the intensity of the moment, perhaps reflecting the societal tensions and rapid changes occurring during his lifetime. Breitner does not shy away from portraying the raw, unfiltered aspects of human experience. Instead, he invites us to confront the complexities of violence and its psychological toll. He pushes us to confront the uncomfortable truths about the human condition and reflect on our own relationship to conflict and aggression.