Soldaten met getrokken geweren 1872

This pencil drawing by George Hendrik Breitner, now in the Rijksmuseum, captures soldiers with weapons raised. Even in this sketch, Breitner conveys the readiness for conflict, with guns drawn and swords brandished. The raised arm, the poised weapon—these are potent symbols found throughout art history. Think of the Winged Victory of Samothrace, arm raised in triumph, or ancient depictions of Mars, god of war, spear in hand. Here, the weapon signifies not divine power, but the stark reality of military readiness. The act of kneeling, often associated with reverence or supplication, is here twisted into a posture of aggression. This contrast echoes in countless images across cultures. The very posture of these soldiers evokes a primal readiness. The image serves as a reminder of how deeply ingrained these gestures are in our collective consciousness, transcending time and culture, and resurfacing in new forms, always carrying a potent charge.