Studies of Soldiers in Camp 

Georg Philipp Rugendas created this drawing, "Studies of Soldiers in Camp," using graphite on laid paper. The immediacy of the graphite medium is striking, capturing a snapshot of military life in the 17th or 18th century. The artist used the material to quickly capture the poses and attitudes of the soldiers, emphasizing the everyday labor and postures of military life through the marks on the paper. You can almost feel the weight and strain of the soldiers' labor as they haul supplies, relax, and drill with weaponry. The use of graphite, a relatively common material, underscores the accessibility and raw nature of the scene. The visible lines and sketches invite us to witness the creative process, while highlighting the contrast between the fine arts and the often unseen, unglamorous labor of soldiers during this period. By focusing on these aspects, Rugendas elevates the status of the working soldier, blurring the lines between high art and the realities of daily life.