Sleeping Rifleman
Artist
Eric Kennington
(Chelsea, London, England, 1888 - 1960)
Date1916
Mediumblack chalk on paper
ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings
DimensionsOverall: Height: 51.8 cm, Width: 34.3 cm
Frame: Height: 76.9 cm, Width: 58 cm
Frame: Height: 76.9 cm, Width: 58 cm
AcquisitionPurchased in 1980.
Copyright© Eric Kennington
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDAG000674
Keywords
All of the commissioned artists’ work had to be passed by the official censor. At the bottom of this drawing it was clearly stated: ‘Passed by Censor’ and signed ‘Arthur N Lee’.
This drawing gives a real impression of what life must have been like among the soldiers who were exhausted from sleepless nights and days in the cramped conditions of the trenches. Kennington later admitted that it was not his intention to depict the absolute horrors of war as it was too vast but to show the magnificence of the ordinary soldier.
More About Me
Eric Henri Kennington was a war artist in both World Wars. He specialised in the daily hardships endured by soldiers and airmen.
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