Artwork
Relaxing Soldier
Relaxing Soldier is an ink drawing by the Impressionist artist David Claypoole Johnston. It dates from 1864 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Relaxing Soldier, a graphite and black ink drawing on wove paper by David Claypoole Johnston, dates to circa 1864. The work captures a moment of repose, depicting a man at rest in everyday attire.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, a reclining figure with head resting on his hand, conveys relaxation and a brief pause from activity. The portrayal suggests a focus on the mundane, everyday aspect of a person's life.
Technique & Style
Johnston's use of graphite and black ink achieves a nuanced range of tonal values, imparting depth and dimensionality. Expressive, confident lines reflect the artist's skill and attention to detail, aligning with Realist principles of detailed, accurate representation.
History & Provenance
Created around 1864, the drawing's provenance details are not specified here, though its style situates it within Johnston's output during this period.
Context
Relaxing Soldier exemplifies the Realism movement, which emphasized everyday life's accurate depiction. It shares thematic and stylistic similarities with works by other Realist artists of the time.
Artist & collection
Artist
American, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1799–1865 Dorchester, Massachusetts
