Study of a soldier 

Curator: Edwin Austin Abbey painted this oil study of a soldier, the brushwork capturing a certain era. What strikes you first about it? Editor: His upward gaze and the set of his jaw… a sense of defiant optimism, maybe before a battle? The colors are muted but those rosy cheeks give a surprising spark. Curator: Abbey often depicted historical scenes, positioning individuals within broader socio-political frameworks. The uniform, while not elaborately detailed, clearly places him in a position of power, and also suggests specific social classes of the period. It makes you wonder, what did the rank signify at the time, both for the soldier and those around him? Editor: The hat! A very specific style, a tri-corner hat with some adornment at the top, it evokes almost instantly images of colonial soldiers… the shape, the dark colour. But also the adornment on his headgear makes it very clear of his alliance. Symbols speak volumes, even in their smallest form. Curator: Exactly! Think of the power dynamics at play, both in the colonial setting and the act of painting someone in uniform. It underscores issues of identity, class, and belonging in this specific era and how power influences visual representation. Editor: It’s compelling how the symbol on his hat both ties him to a cause, and serves almost as an arrow directing our own gaze upwards. Like this figure is meant to look toward a higher ideal, guided by divine forces. Do you think that plays into the overall effect? Curator: Definitely. And I'm also thinking about who this soldier is fighting for. What is the intersection of his own identity and this battle? Abbey encourages us to question these very questions in understanding historical narrative. Editor: It seems that Abbey painted more than just a portrait, he froze an idea and time on canvas. Fascinating how one character can convey so many different connotations at once, once you begin unpacking their imagery. Curator: Precisely, by situating artwork like Abbey's "Study of a Soldier" in the past, we illuminate potential meanings and issues that remain highly relevant to us now.