Two Militairy Men 

James Ensor sketched these two military men with ink on paper, capturing them in what seems to be a momentary pause. The drum here isn't just an instrument. It is a symbol. Think back to ancient battlefields, where the beat of the drum was a call to arms, a heart-pounding rhythm driving soldiers forward. The drum embodies the spirit of war, a call to collective action, and a loss of individuality within the ranks. Even today, we can see how the echo of this ancient, rhythmic instrument resonates in modern military parades and patriotic displays. Consider how the drum's sound penetrates deep into the subconscious, stirring primal emotions. It is a symbol that transcends time, continually reappearing, its resonance shifting across generations, each beat a reminder of our complicated relationship with conflict.