Off to War (Henderson Ledger Artist B) 1862 - 1902

Frank Henderson crafted "Off to War" with colored pencil on paper, a vivid scene rich with symbolic meaning. Warriors on horseback carry shields adorned with circular designs and feathered extensions, emblems of protection and spiritual power. These shields echo the classical Greek aegis of Athena, a protective device often featuring the head of Medusa. Like Athena's aegis, these shields were more than mere physical barriers; they were psychological defenses, instilling fear in adversaries and bolstering the courage of the warriors. The emotional intensity of the scene is palpable. The determined faces of the warriors, their weapons raised, evoke primal feelings of courage and aggression, underscoring the psychological weight of warfare. The shield, therefore, serves as a constant reminder of how symbols transcend time, continually resurfacing and evolving, all while retaining their profound psychological impact on us.