Battalion Communications c. 1945

Edward A. Sallenbach made this drawing, "Battalion Communications," with what looks like ink on paper. What strikes me is the way Sallenbach uses line to create a sense of depth and texture. Look at the soldier on the left. See how the lines are denser in the shadows of his uniform, giving it volume, and then looser in the highlights, suggesting the way light reflects off the fabric? It’s like he's sculpting with ink. The cross-hatching around the water canister, builds this amazing grimy texture. You can almost feel the grit. This isn't about perfect representation; it's about capturing a feeling. The looseness of the lines and the way the figures blend into their surroundings remind me a little of Käthe Kollwitz’s prints. There’s this sense of humanity amidst chaos. And like Kollwitz, Sallenbach isn't afraid to let the process show. You can see the hand of the artist in every stroke, reminding us that art is a conversation, not a lecture.