14 Figurenstudien, meist Soldaten 

Johann Ludwig Ernst Morgenstern made this graphite drawing titled "14 Figurenstudien, meist Soldaten" sometime between 1738 and 1819. During this time, military personnel occupied a vital role in society, with their presence and actions significantly influencing the balance of power and social order. In this study, Morgenstern skillfully depicts different groups of people with a focus on soldiers in various poses and interactions. Are they engaged in training exercises or perhaps embroiled in the tense moments before battle? What do the social interactions and body language suggest about the realities of military life during this era? The artwork prompts us to consider how societies are shaped by displays of strength and by those who wield such power. These character studies act as a mirror to the past, reflecting the complex interplay between the military, the state, and the individual.