Officier en een zadel 1880 - 1882

This sketch of an officer and saddle was made by George Hendrik Breitner. Notice how the officer's baton is not merely an accessory, but a symbol of authority. This rigid staff echoes the scepters of ancient rulers, passed down through centuries, each rendering of it a new assertion of power and control. Think of the flails and crooks of the Pharaohs, symbols of dominion over the Nile's bounty and its people. Later, the baton reappears in the hands of Roman consuls, then medieval monarchs, and even in modern-day military leaders. The baton is not just an object; it’s a vessel carrying the weight of history and tradition. Subconsciously, we respond to it, recognizing its power regardless of its specific form. Each time we see it, we are reminded of the enduring human quest for authority.