| Accession Number | ART93286 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Art |
| Measurement | sheet: 20.4 x 23.4 cm; image: 10.6 x 12.6 cm (irregular) |
| Object type | Work on paper |
| Physical description | pen and ink on paper |
| Maker |
Drysdale, Russell |
| Place made | Australia: New South Wales, Sydney |
| Date made | 1944 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: © Australian War Memorial
This item is licensed under CC BY-NC
|
Not titled [Soldier reading]
Description
Depicts a portrait of an unidentified soldier, seated on the ground, reading a letter. The soldier is drawn wearing a slouch hat and surrounded by his personal belongings.
This drawing was made for the publication 'Soldier Superb: The Australian Fights in New Guinea' by Allan Dawes, 1943. The drawing relates to the emotional effect of receiving letters from home had on servicemen, described by Dawes as 'more galvanic than a victory in battle'. Drysdale's illustration captures with intimacy the moment of a soldier reading a letter. The man sits deeply absorbed by the words of his loved ones.