The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Illustration for the wartime publication 'The Australian Soldier - A Portrait'. Depicts three seated soldiers from behind, looking out towards the horizon.
In 1944 Russell Drysdale was commissioned to illustrate the wartime publication 'The Australian Soldier - A Portrait' by John Hetherington. Based on the experience of the Sixth Division of the Australian Imperial Forces, the book is an account of the soldiers' experience fighting against the Italians in Libya and later the Germans in Greece. Drysdale produced many illustrations for the publication and revised his selection as he progressed. This drawing was not included in the final selection, yet is representative of the style and execution of those that were.
Drysdale's portraits of Australian servicemen were limited to his vicarious observations. Completely blind in his left eye, he had been deemed unfit for the military service at the outbreak of the war. Still, with a strong sense empathy towards the plight of his fellow countrymen, he explored their experiences from within his artwork. In Not titled [Study of three seated soldiers], the soldiers are depicted from behind, as they gaze off into the distance. Leaving the object of their gaze a mystery, the ominous spiral of black smoke creates a sense foreboding and trepidation within the composition.
Illustration for the wartime publication 'The Australian Soldier - A Portrait'. Depicts rear view of seated soldier wearing a steel helmet. In 1944 Russell Drysdale was commissioned to illustrate t
Illustration for the wartime publication 'The Australian Soldier - A Portrait'. Portrait of the three-quarter figure of a soldier with his hands in his pockets. 'Not titled [Study of a soldier, thre
Illustration for the wartime publication 'The Australian Soldier - A Portrait'. Depicts a row of four seated soldiers on the ground with one reclining on his elbow. In 1944 Russell Drysdale was com
Depicts an Australian soldier wearing a slouch hat pivoting towards his right shoulder. 'Not titled [Standing soldier]' was one of a series of drawings Drysdale produced for the publication 'The Aus
Illustration for the wartime publication 'The Australian Soldier - A Portrait'. Depicts a fully uniformed Greek soldier standing with his hands in his pockets. 'Study of a Greek Soldier' captures a
Depicts three Australian soldiers resting. The central figure is seated on a raised elevation while the other two flank him on either side. 'Three seated soldiers' tells the story of a group of Au
