Soldaten c. 1808 - 1857

These soldier studies were rendered by Abraham Teerlink with graphite on paper. As you can see, Teerlink employs the qualities of graphite to quickly capture the likeness of these figures in simple lines. Graphite is an interesting material. In its natural form, it’s a soft, flaky mineral, but when refined and encased in wood, it becomes a tool for precise mark-making. The artist takes advantage of its qualities by varying the pressure on his pencil, building up tone to suggest form and volume. Teerlink was clearly interested in the rank and file, the literal footsoldiers. He also captures something of their material existence. They are burdened with their packs and weapons, equipped with uniforms that standardize their appearance, and subsume them within an institution. We are reminded that the reality of war relies on the everyday labor of many, and the weight of this sketch resides in Teerlink’s delicate suggestion of it. So next time you see a simple drawing, think of the many ways in which material and making can speak volumes.