Study to 'War' 1896

Arnold Böcklin's "Study to 'War'" is a preparatory sketch for the artist's famous painting "War". The 1896 work depicts a scene of conflict and chaos. A rider on horseback, possibly a warrior, hurtles forward over a landscape with a city in the background. The composition is dynamic, and the use of bold strokes creates a sense of movement and energy. This study, in contrast to the finished painting, emphasizes the rider and his steed, highlighting the drama of the scene. Böcklin is known for his symbolic and often unsettling imagery, and this sketch embodies his signature style.