Errants...! 1915

Editor: Here we have Thèophile Alexandre Steinlen’s "Errants...!" made in 1915. It appears to be a lithograph, charcoal, and pastel drawing on paper depicting a soldier. The somber tones really convey a sense of fatigue and perhaps resignation. What do you see in this piece, especially considering the historical context? Curator: This image speaks volumes about the lived experience of war. Made in 1915, it’s deeply embedded within the First World War’s narrative, particularly for France. Beyond the individual portrait, we should consider this as a representation of collective trauma. Notice the man's weary posture. Does that posture reflect a broader societal disillusionment, perhaps with political structures or the romanticized ideals of war? Editor: Definitely, he doesn't look heroic at all. Just tired. What about the medium? How does the lithograph and charcoal contribute? Curator: The medium itself adds to this interpretation. Lithography and charcoal, with their capacity for subtle gradations and deep shadows, heighten the feeling of exhaustion and moral ambiguity. There's a stark realism here, stripping away any glorification. This resonates with other anti-war movements of the time, challenging the dominant narratives pushed by those in power. Editor: So it's not just about portraying a soldier, but critiquing the war itself? Curator: Precisely. Consider also, who were the ‘errants,’ the wanderers or the lost? Not just the soldiers physically displaced, but those adrift morally and spiritually due to the war's devastation. What does it mean to be "errant" in a time of mass upheaval? Editor: That adds a whole new layer. I hadn't considered the title in that way, the concept of being morally lost... Wow. Thanks, I learned a lot by rethinking this artwork! Curator: My pleasure! It is artworks like these that can give us access to other critical historical dimensions and different viewpoints of world events.