A Bantam Hercules 1917

Editor: Here we have Eric Kennington’s drawing, “A Bantam Hercules.” The figure is burdened with gear, head bowed; he looks so weighed down. What can you tell me about the context of this work? Curator: Kennington was a war artist in both World Wars, so this image reflects the public mood and the changing perception of soldiers. The title itself is quite telling, isn't it? A Bantam Hercules - an ironic twist on classical heroism. Editor: I see what you mean. The soldier is everyman, not a mythical hero, but burdened, as you said, with the reality of war. Curator: Exactly. Consider how the image challenges traditional war art which often glorifies conflict. Here, we see something far more sobering, a more realistic and less romanticised vision. Editor: This makes me think about how public sentiment shifted after the first world war, from patriotic enthusiasm to disillusionment. Curator: Precisely. Kennington's work acts as a powerful document of that shift, reflecting the true cost of conflict on the individual. Editor: Thank you, that helps me understand the artwork on a deeper level. Curator: My pleasure. It's crucial to see art as part of a broader social and political narrative.