Landschap met bereden artillerie 1896

George Hendrik Breitner made this sketch of mounted artillery using pen and ink. Breitner was known for his depictions of Amsterdam city life and military subjects. Although undated, this work likely comes from the late 19th century, a period of significant military buildup in Europe. The image presents a scene of the Dutch military in a casual, almost mundane manner. This approach aligns with Breitner's broader interest in portraying everyday life, devoid of heroic or nationalistic overtones, contrary to the tradition of military art in that time. Breitner's loose sketch style also challenges the academic art standards upheld by institutions and the art market. He instead embraced realism. To fully understand this work, we need to consider the social and political climate of the Netherlands at the time, studying military history, the development of Dutch Realism, and Breitner's biography.