Beschieting van de Citadel, 1832 1833

Auguste Raffet created this lithograph titled 'Beschieting van de Citadel' in 1832, currently held at the Rijksmuseum. It captures a moment from the Siege of Antwerp, a key event in the aftermath of the Belgian Revolution. Raffet's image goes beyond documentation; it’s an insight into the theater of war. The composition is strikingly human-centered, depicting soldiers in the midst of action, their faces etched with determination and perhaps a touch of anxiety. There’s an emotional intensity in the way Raffet portrays the figures, making visible the physical and psychological demands of warfare on ordinary people. While the print might seem to glorify military action, it also invites us to reflect on the human cost of conflict. Raffet skillfully avoids traditional heroic portrayals, instead focusing on the collective experience of soldiers. This shift in perspective encourages viewers to consider the broader social and political implications of war, moving beyond simple patriotism.