Attack of Bavarian Uhlans 2 - 1886

Heinrich Lang made this pencil drawing titled 'Attack of Bavarian Uhlans' which now resides in the Städel Museum. Note the lances held high, piercing the air. These aren’t mere weapons; they’re symbols of power and aggression. The lance, reminiscent of a spear, finds its echo in ancient depictions of gods like Mars or Odin, warriors who wielded similar instruments of force. Consider how the symbol of the raised lance has evolved. In antiquity, it signified divine authority and military might. Yet, as we transition into modernity, the same symbol, now wielded by mortal soldiers, reflects a shift towards organized warfare and nationalistic fervor. What we see here is not just a battle scene, but a manifestation of humanity's primal instincts. The collective memory of conflict, etched deep in our subconscious, resurfaces in Lang's sketch, engaging us on a visceral level, stirring feelings of dread, excitement, or even a morbid fascination. This motif will continue to reappear, changing with time, but always reminding us of the enduring presence of conflict in the human story.