Untitled (Don Quixote) 1936

This is a drawing of Don Quixote by Bernard Patrick Arnest. Look at this lone figure; he’s walking away from us, but glancing back over his shoulder, maybe in fear, maybe in doubt. A spear is slung casually behind him, but he seems to be losing his way, stumbling into a dark wood. I can imagine Arnest alone in his studio, conjuring this image from his mind. The lines seem etched with a kind of worry and a sympathy for the character. The dark shading creates a dramatic contrast, evoking a sense of turmoil and mystery. You can see the influence of artists like Goya here; the picture feels like a dark dream, a psychological exploration of madness and the tragedy of getting old, all in a simple drawing. It reminds us that artists are always in conversation with one another, building upon the ideas and techniques of those who came before, while bravely pushing into new territory.