Croatian soldier 

Franz Pforr drew this study of a Croatian Soldier with pencil on paper. Although undated, Pforr likely drew this study in the early 19th century, when the Napoleonic wars were in full effect. The artist's interest is in the soldier's attire and bearing. Soldiers from Croatia were conscripted into the Austrian army during the reign of the Habsburg monarchy. Here, Pforr captured one of the many military figures who fought during the Napoleonic wars. Consider how the image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. Is the artwork critical of the Habsburg monarchy? The value of art is contingent on social and institutional contexts. As historians, we can consult archives, letters, and published sources to understand the cultural history and political context of the artist's work.