Artwork
Soldier in a Landscape (verso)

Soldier in a Landscape (verso) is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Carl Ludwig Tischbein. It dates from 1838 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The drawing depicts a solitary soldier in a red uniform perched on a gentle rise, overlooking a cluster of tiled roofs and enclosed gardens.
About this work
Look up Carl Ludwig Tischbein (German, 1797–1855) to see more of his calm, everyday scenes.
You see a soldier in a red coat standing on a hill. Below him are rooftops and walled gardens. A small cat sits in the grass near his boots.
This isn’t a battle scene. It’s quiet. The cat gives it a cozy, lived-in feel. The soldier looks relaxed, like he’s just passing through.
The scene feels real because of how small details stand out. Look up Carl Ludwig Tischbein (German, 1797–1855) to see more of his calm, everyday scenes.
Overview
The drawing depicts a solitary soldier in a red uniform perched on a gentle rise, overlooking a cluster of tiled roofs and enclosed gardens. A small cat rests in the grass at his feet, lending the composition a tranquil, domestic atmosphere rather than a martial one.
Subject & Meaning
The figure appears relaxed, suggesting a moment of pause during travel rather than combat. The inclusion of the cat and the detailed surroundings emphasizes everyday life and the quiet observation of landscape, inviting viewers to consider the soldier’s humanity beyond his role.
Technique & Style
Executed in fine pen and wash, the work showcases precise line work for architectural elements and delicate shading to model the terrain. The subtle tonal contrasts and careful rendering of textures, such as the cat’s fur and the stone walls, create a realistic yet understated visual effect.
History & Provenance
Created by Carl Ludwig Tischbein (1797–1855), a member of the prolific Tischbein artistic dynasty, the drawing reflects his interest in serene genre scenes. Tischbein traveled to Italy in 1819 and later taught drawing at the Academy of Rome from 1825, experiences that informed his compositional approach.
Context
The piece belongs to a broader 19th‑century German tradition of depicting ordinary moments with meticulous detail. Tischbein’s work aligns with his contemporaries’ focus on calm, observational studies rather than dramatic historical narratives.
Artist & collection




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