Study for "What Price Glory" 1948

Leonard Everett Fisher created this study for "What Price Glory" using ink on paper. The composition is a dense aggregation of figures within a confined space, evoking a feeling of claustrophobia and tension. Dark, intricate lines define the characters and environment, emphasizing a gritty realism. The artist employs stark contrasts between light and shadow to direct the viewer's eye, creating a sense of drama. The figures, tightly packed and rendered with coarse strokes, suggest a narrative steeped in conflict and social commentary. This approach serves not only to depict a scene, but to question the values and costs associated with ambition and success, or what Fisher may see as ‘glory.’ Fisher’s manipulation of line and form effectively conveys a critical perspective on societal ideals. It’s a composition that invites ongoing interpretation, challenging us to consider the underlying structures of power and representation within its visual framework.