Rijdende artillerie op de heide nabij Ommen c. 1885 - 1898

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of the ‘Rijdende artillerie op de heide nabij Ommen’ with pen in the Netherlands. Breitner was known for his interest in depicting modern life and movement and he had a great interest in military subjects. The sketch depicts a scene of horse-drawn artillery on a heath near Ommen and captures a sense of the Dutch military presence in the landscape. In the late 19th century, the Netherlands, while neutral, was concerned with maintaining a strong defense. Art like this served to promote a sense of national pride and military readiness. Breitner's sketch style, quick and unrefined, suggests a desire to capture the immediacy of the scene. This approach reflects broader shifts in the art world, as artists sought to break from academic traditions and represent modern life more directly. To understand Breitner’s work, we can explore archives of military history.