Mars in een medaillon 1900 - 1903

Antoon Derkinderen created this sketch titled "Mars in een medaillon," and it offers a glimpse into the cultural and social currents of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This artwork is a cultural artifact reflecting the shifting perceptions of masculinity and power during a time of industrial change. The central figure, presumably Mars, the god of war, appears in a moment of introspection, head bowed and sword in hand, which diverges from traditional portrayals of heroism. Derkinderen uses symbolism, with the scorpion and other figures perhaps representing hidden threats. Consider that Derkinderen lived during a period marked by intense social and political change, including the rise of socialism and growing calls for social justice. His choice to depict Mars in a moment of contemplation may reflect a broader questioning of traditional power structures. There’s a vulnerability in his bowed head, inviting us to reflect on the human cost of conflict.