Fr 023 U.S.Dragoon,1847 FredericRemington sqs Frederick Remington (1861-1909)

Here we observe a monochrome depiction of a mounted soldier, likely a cavalryman given his attire and position astride a horse. The figure is rendered in a style suggesting a preparatory study or illustration rather than a finished work; the tonal range is limited, emphasizing form through shading rather than color.
The soldier’s posture conveys a sense of restrained alertness. He sits upright on his mount, holding reins with a firm grip and appearing to scan the surroundings. His uniform, detailed in its rendering of buttons, straps, and hat insignia, suggests military formality. The horse is powerfully built, its musculature clearly defined, and it stands poised, hinting at potential movement or action. Its stance is not one of complete stillness; theres a subtle tension visible in its legs and head.
The background is largely absent, with the figure and horse dominating the composition against an expanse of white space. This isolation draws attention to the individual and his immediate presence. The artist has chosen to depict the soldier from a slightly low angle, which lends him a degree of stature and authority.
Subtly embedded within this image are implications about duty and preparedness. The soldier’s rigid posture and attentive gaze suggest a readiness for conflict or vigilance in an uncertain environment. The horses powerful build reinforces this sense of potential action. The lack of context, the absence of any discernible landscape or narrative setting, contributes to a feeling of timelessness; it could represent a moment from any period where mounted soldiers were deployed.
The drawing’s technical execution – the careful rendering of details and the use of chiaroscuro – indicates an intention to capture not just the outward appearance but also the essence of military discipline and readiness. The signature in the lower right corner suggests that this is a personal study, perhaps intended for later reference or reproduction.