Sunday at Chelsea Hospital, from "The Graphic," vol. 3 1871

Sir Hubert von Herkomer's "Sunday at Chelsea Hospital" (1871) is a wood engraving depicting a scene within the Royal Hospital Chelsea, a retirement home for veteran soldiers. The composition focuses on a group of elderly men seated in a large room, their weary faces and military attire illustrating the realities of aging and war. The artist's meticulous attention to detail, evident in the etched lines, captures the somber atmosphere and poignant stillness of the setting, rendering a sense of quiet contemplation and faded glory. The artwork is a powerful commentary on the lives of those who served their country, capturing a moment of quiet reflection in a space dedicated to their service.