Soldaat bij paarden in een landschap 1887 - 1891

George Hendrik Breitner captured this sketch of a soldier with horses in a landscape using graphite on paper. It's a humble combination of materials, but look closely. The rapid strokes, almost scribbles, speak to the urgency of the moment. The artist clearly wanted to capture the scene quickly, to document a fleeting encounter. Graphite, derived from the earth, has been a staple of artistic creation for centuries. Here, it is employed in a seemingly effortless manner, but don't let that fool you. The artist's hand, guided by years of practice, translates observation into a dynamic composition. Breitner's choice of such basic materials underscores the value of accessible art forms, such as drawing, as valid artistic practices. It is a testament to the power of simple means to convey complex ideas and observations.