Afgezadelde cavalerie 1867 - 1923

George Hendrik Breitner made this drawing of dismounted cavalry, using graphite on paper. The loose, sketch-like quality of the graphite lines gives the work a sense of immediacy. Breitner clearly wasn't after a polished result. Instead, he focused on capturing the essentials of the scene – the weight of the horses, the texture of their coats, and the overall atmosphere of a military camp. This connects the work to broader social and cultural themes. Consider the labor involved, both in the depicted scene and in the making of the drawing itself. The soldiers and horses represent a certain kind of physical exertion, while Breitner’s quick, confident lines speak to a different kind of skill and practice. He was associated with the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, which emphasized everyday subjects and direct observation. Thinking about materials, making, and context allows us to see this drawing not just as a record of military life, but as a commentary on the nature of work, representation, and the artistic process.