Paarden en een soldaat 1887 - 1891

This is a sketch, "Horses and a Soldier" by George Hendrik Breitner, housed in the Rijksmuseum. The horse has been a symbol of power, freedom, and virility across cultures. In Breitner’s sketch, the horse is not just an animal, but a vessel of energy, reflecting the dynamism of urban life. Think of the equestrian statues of Roman emperors, or the steeds of Renaissance paintings—each carries the weight of authority and triumph. In Breitner’s time, the horse-drawn carriage was a common sight in cities, yet the animal retained its symbolic potency. Here, the quick, almost frantic lines capture the horse's movement and spirit. Like a dream, the image bypasses conscious thought, tapping into our collective memory. This sketch echoes through time, connecting us to the primal bond between humans and horses. It reveals how symbols evolve, carrying echoes of the past into the present.