Sergeant met wandelstok before 1889

Jan Hoynck van Papendrecht sketched ‘Sergeant met wandelstok’ using pen and ink. The figure commands our attention through the strategic use of lines, which articulate form and texture, and the balance of light and shadow that brings the subject to life. The subject stands confidently, his posture and accoutrements rendered with meticulous strokes. The varying densities of the ink articulate the play of light across his uniform and face, giving volume and presence. This piece reflects the late 19th-century interest in capturing the essence of military figures. The artist’s choice to depict the sergeant with such detail may be read as a commentary on the individual within the military structure. The structural elements—the carefully placed lines and tonal contrasts—function to elevate the individual, inviting the viewer to engage with the subject. The artwork serves as a study in representation, exploring the interplay between individual identity and social role.