Op zijn schild leunende soldaat rust uit 1851 - 1862

Adolphe Mouilleron made this print of a resting soldier, sometime in the mid-19th century. Here we see a soldier leaning on his shield as he takes a break from battle, likely in France. Prints like these were widely circulated and consumed at the time, and this tells us something important about the social role of art. We can ask ourselves, what kind of message would a scene like this convey to its viewers? During this time, France experienced significant political upheaval, including revolutions and wars. Mouilleron's image might be seen as a reflection of these events, or perhaps even a statement about the human cost of conflict. Understanding the historical context can provide valuable insights into the social and political meanings embedded within artworks like these. By looking at the visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations of the image, we can gain a deeper understanding of its place in history. Historians delve into archives, letters, newspapers, and institutional records to reconstruct the world in which art was made.