Soldiers on Horseback, Seen from Behind c. 19th century

Editor: This is Rodolphe Bresdin's "Soldiers on Horseback, Seen from Behind." It's a small pen and ink drawing. There's a real energy in the lines, but the subject feels... anonymous. What do you make of this piece? Curator: It reflects the changing role of the military in the 19th century. The focus shifts from individual heroism to the collective, anonymous force of the state. Bresdin captures this through the faceless mass of soldiers. Editor: So, it's less about celebrating individual soldiers and more about the power they represent? Curator: Precisely. The sketchiness further emphasizes their expendability within a larger system. Consider the social upheaval of the time and how artists responded. Editor: That definitely gives me a new perspective. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It's fascinating how a simple sketch can reveal so much about the societal shifts of its time.