Two Standing Soldiers, One Wearing a Hat

Antoine Watteau

National Gallery of Art

The image shows two full-bodied sketched figures standing side by side. The figure on the left is seen in a slightly angled position, facing inwards towards the other figure, with one knee slightly bent. This person seems to be wearing a hat with a wide brim and possibly a feather or decoration, as well as garments that resemble a loose-fitting jacket and skirt or tunic that reaches mid-thigh, and stockings or tall boots. The figure has short, tousled hair that sticks out from beneath the hat, and their features are discernibly male, though without defined facial details due to the sketch's style. The second figure stands more directly, with their body turned slightly to the left. They wear a long, soft garment that resembles a robe or drapery, gathered in one hand, while their hair is styled upward, indicating a more feminine appearance. Their facial features are also not distinctly detailed. The sketch is composed with brownish-red chalk on a plain paper background, and aside from the figures, there are no other distinct background elements.