Twee huzaren en een kurassier 1873

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of two hussars and a cuirassier with graphite on paper. Breitner lived during a time of rapid social change and industrialization in the Netherlands. He was known for his interest in capturing everyday life, and his work often reflected the dynamic energy of urban environments. The focus here is on military figures, evoking themes of power, duty, and perhaps the romanticized image of the soldier. The visible brushstrokes give us a feeling of immediacy. We might consider how military service intersected with notions of masculinity and national identity during Breitner's time. The sketch invites us to contemplate the individuals within these uniforms, and to reflect on the experiences of those who have served, or been affected by war.