Soldaat en boer drinken een glas wijn 1836

Nicolas Toussaint Charlet created this print, "Soldier and farmer drinking a glass of wine", using lithography. Charlet was a painter and printmaker, who was very proud of his military background and specialized in military subjects. This print illustrates the popular support for the French army amongst the populace after the Napoleonic wars. The lyrics underneath the image translate as, "What does it matter that I am Jean Nicolas of Sommeland, near Neuilly, in front! Yes, estimable man, who wants to share a glass of wine that you offer." The print is a wonderful primary source document of the time. It's an illustration of a French national identity being solidified and expressed in popular culture. We can use resources like historical archives, newspapers, and literature from the period to understand the significance of images like this one. This print reflects the social conditions of its time and participates in the creation of national sentiment.