p-troiani013 Don Troiani

The drawing presents a solitary figure, presumably a soldier, depicted in a three-quarter pose against a plain background. The subject is positioned centrally within the frame, commanding immediate attention. He holds a long firearm diagonally across his body, resting it on his shoulder with one hand while the other rests near the trigger guard. A haversack hangs from his shoulders, suggesting preparedness for extended service.
The artist has rendered the soldier’s attire in muted earth tones – browns and grays dominate, contributing to an overall sense of somberness and practicality. The texture of the fabric is carefully suggested through subtle variations in tone and shading, lending a degree of realism to the depiction. Close inspection reveals details such as the stitching on his coat and the worn appearance of his boots.
The soldier’s face bears the marks of experience; a thick beard obscures much of his lower face, but the eyes convey a sense of weariness or perhaps quiet resolve. The lighting emphasizes the planes of his face, highlighting the lines etched by hardship.
Below the image, an inscription identifies the subject as belonging to the 19th Tennessee Infantry and specifies the month and year – April 1862. This contextual information immediately places the work within a historical framework, likely related to the American Civil War. The inclusion of this detail suggests that the drawing aims not merely at portraiture but also at documenting military attire or commemorating a specific unit’s experience during wartime.
The compositions simplicity and the soldier’s direct gaze create an atmosphere of quiet dignity. There is no overt action or dramatic narrative; instead, the focus rests on the individual and his equipment, hinting at the burdens and routines of military life. The absence of other figures reinforces a sense of isolation and introspection, inviting contemplation about the human cost of conflict.