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Relaxing Soldier

David Claypoole Johnston

1864

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Relaxing Soldier is a 1864 ink by David Claypoole Johnston, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: David Claypoole Johnston
When & what style?: 1864 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch depicts a man reclining on the ground, with his head resting on his right hand. He is dressed in a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and shoes, with a hat placed beside him. The man's posture conveys a sense of relaxation, as if he is taking a break. The artist's use of graphite and black ink creates a range of tonal values, adding depth and dimension to the sketch. The lines are expressive and confident, suggesting a high level of skill and attention to detail. The sketch is a fine example of Realism, a movement that emphasizes accurate and detailed representations of everyday life. To learn more about this style, explore the works of artists associated with the Realism movement.