image 107 National Museum of Women in the Arts

The artwork presents a group of figures moving forward across a starkly contrasting background. The composition is dominated by a high-contrast black and white palette, creating a dramatic visual effect that emphasizes form and shadow rather than color nuance. Here we see a procession of individuals, seemingly soldiers or military personnel, rendered in a stylized, almost skeletal manner. Their faces are largely obscured, contributing to an overall sense of anonymity and detachment.
The artist employed a technique reminiscent of woodcut or linocut printing, characterized by bold lines and areas of solid black. This approach lends the work a graphic quality, suggesting a deliberate distancing from naturalistic representation. The figures’ postures suggest weariness and resignation; their movements are not energetic but rather appear labored and mechanical.
The background is almost entirely black, swallowing the figures within its depth. A single vertical line bisects the composition, creating a sense of division or confinement. This element reinforces the feeling that the procession is constrained, perhaps by circumstance or an unseen force. The lack of environmental detail further isolates the subjects, focusing attention solely on their collective movement.
Subtly, theres a suggestion of vulnerability within the group. While they move forward as a unit, the individual figures appear fragile and exposed against the oppressive darkness. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the dehumanizing effects of war or any situation that strips individuals of their identity and agency. The overall impression is one of somber reflection, prompting consideration of themes such as duty, sacrifice, and the psychological toll of conflict.