Strijdende soldaten 1872 - 1879

George Hendrik Breitner made this work, Strijdende soldaten, using graphite on paper. It's a simple medium, but one that can be used to great effect. The immediacy of drawing allows for a direct connection between the artist's hand and the image. The graphite lines vary in thickness and intensity, creating a sense of depth and movement. Look closely and you’ll see how Breitner uses hatching and cross-hatching to build up shadows and define forms, conveying the chaos and energy of battle with remarkable economy. Given the subject, it's important to remember that warfare has always been linked to industry, and this drawing can be seen as a reflection of that connection. From the production of weapons to the logistics of supply chains, war is a massive undertaking that requires the mobilization of labor and resources. Here, Breitner captured a critical vision of the social dynamics of the conflict.