Landschap met een paard en twee soldaten, mogelijk huzaren c. 1882 - 1912

This pencil sketch, made by George Hendrik Breitner, now resides in the Rijksmuseum. It is a study of a landscape with a horse and two soldiers. The use of pencil on paper is about as direct as you can get; the artist's hand is immediately evident. We can see how Breitner worked rapidly, capturing the essence of the scene with a bare minimum of strokes. The thinness of the lines and the slight pressure applied create a sense of immediacy, like a fleeting impression caught on paper. The artist has quickly laid down a scene that's more about atmosphere than detail. This approach reflects the social context of the time, with artists turning away from academic polish towards more spontaneous and personal forms of expression. It’s a world away from the highly finished military paintings of previous generations; instead, we get a glimpse of modern life, rendered with a light touch. Looking closely at the materials and the artist's hand, we gain a deeper appreciation for the work.