Artwork
Rijdende artillerie
Rijdende artillerie is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist George Hendrik Breitner. It dates from 1893 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1893, *Rijdende artillerie* is an oil painting by Dutch artist George Hendrik Breitner. The work portrays a small group of mounted soldiers moving across an open, dusty landscape. It is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection and exemplifies Breitner’s interest in contemporary urban and military subjects.
Subject & Meaning
The composition shows three cavalrymen in dark uniforms accented with yellow trim, each gripping a horse’s reins as the animals stir up earth beneath them. The scene captures a moment of movement and tension, reflecting the artist’s aim to document the everyday reality of military presence within the Dutch environment.
Technique & Style
Breitner applied thick, visible brushstrokes that convey a sense of immediacy and vigor. The impasto handling leaves the paint’s texture evident, emphasizing the dust raised by the horses and the blurred, atmospheric background. This approach aligns with his broader practice of painting en plein air and using photographic studies to seize fleeting effects.
History & Provenance
After its completion, the painting entered the public domain and was eventually acquired by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, where it remains on display. Its provenance reflects the museum’s commitment to preserving works that illustrate the development of Dutch Impressionism and urban realism.
Context
Breitner was a central figure in Amsterdam Impressionism, a movement that combined loose brushwork with a focus on modern life. In the early 1890s he frequently turned to military subjects, integrating his photographic techniques to capture movement and light, as seen in this depiction of cavalry on the move.
Artist & collection
Artist
George Hendrik Breitner (12 September 1857 – 5 June 1923) was a Dutch painter and photographer.
