Vaandrig 1874

Curator: Welcome! Let's discuss Edouard Taurel’s work titled "Vaandrig," created around 1874 and currently residing here at the Rijksmuseum. The artwork depicts a man standing behind a flag, rendered using pen and pencil. Editor: Immediately, I’m struck by the artist's use of light and shadow. Notice the gradient across his puffed sleeve and then compare to the depth rendered on the ballooning pants—really creates a visual hierarchy of sorts. Curator: That’s an excellent observation! These figures like the vaandrig – which translates to "ensign" – served an important role in 17th-century Dutch militias and city guards. Visual representations like these were very deliberate. We can assume Taurel is making references to history painting, reflecting a revived national consciousness in the 19th century. Editor: Precisely, Taurel uses hatching to bring this historical figure alive—a deliberate stylistic choice. It reminds me of sketches produced in a workshop setting rather than something finalized. Do you agree it has this provisional character to it? Curator: Interesting. I lean toward this being an exercise in memory and imagination, Taurel possibly revisiting a popular narrative through visual form, engaging with and also reinterpreting the public’s perception of national identity at a key time. Editor: The angle of his hand gripping the shaft also intrigues me; a moment frozen, a stance mid-pose… Look at how those details work to animate the entire form! There's even a casual ease that keeps this away from feeling stiff. Curator: And note his faint smirk! Far from the stern, unreadable faces you get in much official portraiture. This brings a more relatable, human quality to the historic image. Taurel’s ensign hints to a world well beyond our picture frame. Editor: Right, these artistic strategies create not just a likeness but a feeling of a complete environment, an entire mood we as viewers can suddenly access! Curator: Indeed. It's fascinating how a few skillful lines and some understanding of a nation’s story can say so much. Editor: An artwork that clearly demands a double take – to let form and context slowly inform each other.