De zittende krijgsman 1811 - 1867

This pencil drawing by Christiaan Wilhelmus Moorrees depicts a seated warrior, evoking a sense of contemplation amidst the tools of war. The feathered hat and visible armour are not merely decorative; they symbolize status, readiness, and the weight of responsibility. Consider the feather. Often associated with lightness and freedom, here, it is juxtaposed with the heavy armour, creating a tension that embodies the duality of the warrior’s existence: the desire for peace versus the duty of conflict. The visual language of conflict and its representation can be traced across history, from ancient Roman sculptures to Renaissance paintings. Images of the military man, are charged with power and authority, yet, they carry a burden of potential violence. Moorrees' warrior is caught in a silent moment, which brings to the surface the psychological weight of command and the emotional toll of war that resonates through time, touching upon our deepest fears and aspirations.