Two Soldiers, One Standing Holding a Lance, One Seated 1764

This drawing, "Two Soldiers, One Standing Holding a Lance, One Seated" was created by Matthias Pfenninger. The composition immediately draws us in with its stark contrast and monumental scale of the standing figure. Notice how Pfenninger's use of hatching and cross-hatching creates a rich texture, giving a sculptural presence to the figures. The figures dominate the pictorial space, set against a deliberately vague background. The standing soldier, with his lance and stern gaze, embodies classical ideals of strength and stoicism. Yet, the vulnerability of his seated companion introduces a note of unease, destabilizing the heroicism. Pfenninger seems to be questioning fixed notions of military glory and inviting a deeper reflection on the human condition. The formal qualities of the artwork invite us to consider not just what is depicted, but how it is depicted. Through line, form, and composition, Pfenninger prompts us to rethink traditional values and to engage in new ways of perceiving strength, vulnerability, and representation.