The Old Soldier - Berncastel 1861 - 1862

"The Old Soldier - Berncastel" is a graphite drawing created by American artist Alfred Cornelius Howland between 1861 and 1862. The work depicts an elderly soldier seated with a cane, likely a veteran of the Napoleonic Wars. Howland's skilled use of graphite creates a sense of depth and realism, capturing the soldier's weary countenance and worn clothing. The drawing, measuring 36.3 x 26.2 cm, serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war, a theme that resonated with viewers in the 19th century and continues to hold relevance today.