The Sentry Calling to Arms (“Present Arms”)
A carriage approaches with occupants who are expecting a military greeting. Five soldiers hectically rush from the guard post, hurrying to stand in the correct formation. A sixth soldier peers around the corner at the carriage, while a seventh already stands to attention and salutes—all watched with amazement by a boy holding his little sister by the hand. It is a scene full of comedy, essentially because Schindler is showing everything simultaneously that in real life would have happened in sequence: the announcement of the carriage’s arrival, the soldiers lining up, and finally the military greeting. The latter is shown in exemplary fashion by the sentry in the second painting. The figures know each other and the honorable gentleman, accompanied by his wife, jovially tips his hat in return. The main square of Sankt Pölten can be seen in the background.
1839
Oil on wood
43.0 x 35.0cm
2330
Image © Belvedere, Vienna, 2024
Where you'll find this
Upper Belvedere
Permanent collection
Deepen your knowledge
The Sentry Calling to Arms (“Present Arms”), by Carl Schindler
Better Times? Waldmüller and Biedermeier Vienna
•
1:45