Krijgsman met schild en zwaard 1876 - 1951

Theo Nieuwenhuis made this pencil drawing titled 'Warrior with Shield and Sword'. The figure, with their shield raised, embodies the martial spirit, a subject often celebrated in the visual arts during times of national identity formation. Nieuwenhuis was working in the Netherlands, a country that throughout its history has had to define and redefine its borders, its political identity, and its place in Europe. The image's meaning can be found in the culture that surrounded Nieuwenhuis; the image, however, does not necessarily serve as a straightforward endorsement of militarism. It might equally function as a commentary on such matters, perhaps subtly questioning the cost of conflict or the glorification of armed strength. To understand this fully, one can consult historical documents, political writing from the period, and critical analyses of Nieuwenhuis' work. This is essential if we are to place it within the changing currents of early twentieth-century European thought.