Voorstudie voor de Eerste Bossche Wand: draperiestudies van staande soldaten 1869 - 1925

Antoon Derkinderen made this drapery study of standing soldiers with pen in brown ink. Derkinderen, a Dutch artist, was commissioned to create a mural for the city hall of 's-Hertogenbosch, also known as Den Bosch. This study offers us insight into his creative process, demonstrating his interest in classical aesthetics and their connection to civic virtue. Derkinderen's choice of the pen and ink medium, combined with the subject matter of soldiers, evokes a sense of historical gravitas. The loose and flowing lines emphasize the play of light and shadow on the fabric, lending the figures a sense of dynamism and movement. The classical drapery serves as a visual metaphor for the values of heroism, sacrifice, and duty that were often associated with military service. By delving into the artist's biography, correspondence, and the historical context of 's-Hertogenbosch, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and political dimensions of this artwork.