Strijdende soldaten, te voet en te paard 1872 - 1879

Editor: Here we have "Strijdende soldaten, te voet en te paard," or "Fighting Soldiers, on Foot and Horseback," a pencil drawing by George Hendrik Breitner, likely created between 1872 and 1879. The scene, sketched with such a light touch, seems almost to disappear into the vast white of the paper. What strikes you most when you look at this sketch? Curator: Oh, it's the sheer immediacy of it, isn't it? You can almost feel Breitner right there, dashing down this impression of movement and chaos. It's more than just soldiers; it's an atmosphere he's captured, like a fleeting dream of battle. Do you get that sense of something transient, almost ghostly? Editor: I do see what you mean; it definitely feels very spontaneous. Like he just had to get the idea down quickly. I'm curious, though, does it remind you of any other artists or artworks? Curator: It brings to mind some of the quick studies that Delacroix did of horses, but with a distinctively Dutch flavor. You know, less romantic and more about capturing the gritty reality. He seems interested less in heroism, more in the messy, unglamorous parts of military life, wouldn't you say? Look how unresolved all of the shapes are! Editor: Yes, absolutely. I can also imagine how the looseness allows our imagination to fill in those blanks. I think this really does give the artwork that haunting feeling. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure. It's fascinating how a few pencil strokes can evoke so much. It truly allows us to connect with Breitner's own fleeting impressions.