Soldaat die een toost uitbrengt 1833 - 1892

This is an undated print by Johannes Christiaan d' Arnaud Gerkens, titled 'Soldaat die een toost uitbrengt', housed at the Rijksmuseum. Rendered in monochrome, the composition is dominated by a central figure of a soldier, glass aloft, positioned within a tavern interior. The use of light and shadow here is especially striking, giving a sense of depth to the scene. Note how Gerkens uses the light not just to illuminate the figures, but also to highlight the textures of the clothing and the rough surfaces of the tavern. The artist seems interested in contrasts: the lively soldier versus the slumped figure at the table, the ornate garb versus the stark interior. The formal qualities of the print—the careful arrangement of figures, the play of light and shadow— invite us to consider the narrative suggested by these contrasts. In observing the graphic structure, it is clear that Gerkens’ work encourages a dialogue around the themes of social interaction, and the human condition. It compels us to interpret its symbols and their complex interplay.