Standing Soldier, Facing Right

Bernardino Poccetti

1594

chalk

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance

About this work

This sketch shows a soldier from behind, holding a sword and a long pole. His armor is detailed, with straps crossing his chest and back. The paper has a textured, off-white look, and the artist used quick, loose lines to capture his posture. The red chalk marks on the mount suggest this might be a study for a larger work. The soldier’s stance looks ready for action, with one leg slightly bent. Next, check out the Renaissance movement to see how artists like this one shaped history.