Jean-Antoine Watteau (1684–1721)
Three Studies of a Soldier, One from Behind, ca. 1713–15
Red chalk, within black ink framing lines
5 15/16 × 7 13/16 in. (15.1 x 19.9 cm)
Fondation Custodia, Collection Frits Lugt, Paris
This vigorous drawing is one of a series of studies, perhaps drawn in a single sitting, showing soldiers in three poses arranged in a semicircle. Here, as in the other related studies, the soldiers are positioned to suggest a sequence of movement in time and space. The figure on the far right was also used in Recruits Going to Join the Regiment.