An Old Guardsman c. 1938

"An Old Guardsman" is a powerful woodcut created by American artist Edward Hagedorn in 1938. The print depicts a skeletal figure, likely representing Death, standing in a graveyard. The figure is clad in a military uniform and holds a rifle, a stark reminder of the cost of war. The moon shines down on the scene, casting long shadows that amplify the sense of loneliness and despair. Hagedorn's work often explores themes of war, mortality, and the human condition, and "An Old Guardsman" is a chilling example of this. The stark simplicity of the woodcut, combined with the powerful imagery, makes it a haunting and unforgettable piece.