Twee soldaten, mogelijk huzaren c. 1882 - 1912

This drawing, "Two Soldiers, possibly Hussars," was made by George Hendrik Breitner, using graphite on paper. The composition is a flurry of lines, a deliberate sketchiness that captures the essence of the figures rather than their precise form. The lines, jagged and angular, suggest movement and energy. Breitner isn't interested in replicating reality. Instead, he reduces the soldiers to a series of almost abstract marks. This approach aligns with a broader artistic shift at the time, a move away from realism towards capturing fleeting moments and subjective experiences. The drawing challenges traditional notions of representation. The materiality of the graphite is also key, allowing for a range of tonal values and textures, further animating the scene. The sketch reminds us that art doesn't have to be about perfect imitation. The artist explores new ways of seeing and representing the world, inviting us to look beyond the surface and engage with the underlying structure of representation itself.