Cavalry at Repose 1885

George Hendrik Breitner made this oil on canvas painting called Cavalry at Repose. Though undated, it likely reflects the mood of the Netherlands in the late 19th century. The image is quite dark and the brushwork is loose. It depicts soldiers and horses resting. The painting seems to reflect the social conditions of its time, where the military played a significant role in maintaining order and projecting power. Breitner's choice of subject matter and style may be seen as a comment on the social structures of his time, perhaps critiquing the institutions of art and power. To understand this work better, we can examine military history, social studies, and institutional records. By exploring these resources, we can uncover the meaning of Breitner’s Cavalry at Repose.