Drie soldaten, van wie één op een dromedaris 1872 - 1879

George Hendrik Breitner made this drawing, titled 'Three Soldiers, One on a Dromedary,' as part of his documentary approach to art. Breitner worked during a time when the Netherlands was heavily involved in colonial activities, particularly in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia). This drawing brings to light the military presence associated with colonial power. The soldiers, with one mounted on a dromedary, evoke images of foreign lands and military operations. Breitner's position as an artist in Amsterdam allowed him to observe and document aspects of society, but it also implicated him in the visual culture of colonialism. While this work might seem like a straightforward depiction, it subtly engages with themes of Dutch identity, military might, and the representation of foreign cultures. In looking at this seemingly simple sketch, consider how it participates in a broader narrative of colonialism. Think about how it shapes perceptions and perhaps even contributes to the romanticization or justification of military presence in distant lands.