Soldaat die zit te eten 1867 - 1923

George Hendrik Breitner created this drawing of a soldier eating, sometime between 1880 and 1923. Breitner was known for his depictions of everyday life in Amsterdam, and this work reflects his interest in capturing ordinary moments. The image presents a soldier seated at a table, his posture and expression suggesting weariness or perhaps boredom. Breitner's choice of subject matter challenges the traditional heroic portrayals of military figures so common in institutional art. Instead, it offers an unvarnished glimpse into the mundane reality of a soldier's life. Made in the Netherlands, this drawing subtly critiques the romanticized views of military service. To understand Breitner's work more fully, one might consult military archives, period newspapers, and social histories of the Netherlands to explore the cultural attitudes towards the military during his lifetime. This drawing serves as a reminder that the meaning of art is always shaped by its specific social and institutional context.