Het lijk van Richard III, koning van Engeland, gevonden op het slagveld van Bosworth, 1485 1866

Charles Rochussen made this drawing of the body of Richard III, King of England, in the 19th century. Rochussen uses graphite, a material commonly found in pencils, to depict the discovery on the battlefield of Bosworth in 1485. The choice of graphite is important: its unassuming nature mirrors the subject matter. Rather than focusing on the grandeur of royalty, the artist highlights the grim reality of warfare. Through the tonal range achieved with graphite, Rochussen captures the lifeless weight of the fallen king and the somber mood of the scene. The drawing technique itself speaks volumes. It's a far cry from the polished portraits of royals. Instead, the loose strokes and unfinished quality emphasize the fleeting nature of power. Rochussen shows us that even kings are reduced to mere bodies on the battlefield. By focusing on this stark scene, Rochussen offers a commentary on the human cost of conflict and the fragility of human ambition. It's a powerful reminder that history is not just about kings and queens, but about the human lives caught in the crossfire.