Soldaat van het 1 Batt. Jagers 1835 - 1850

Albertus Verhoesen created this print, titled 'Soldaat van het 1 Batt. Jagers', using an etching technique. Standing at attention, the soldier embodies the values of duty and honor that were heavily promoted by the military. Consider the historical context in which this image was made. Soldiers were often romanticized figures, symbols of national pride and strength. Yet, for many who served, the reality of military life was one of hardship, discipline, and the ever-present threat of violence. The image serves as propaganda by focusing on the ideal of military service rather than the actual experience of those enlisted. The image maintains a traditional representation of military strength. It also acts as a reminder of the human cost of conflict, of the individuals whose lives are shaped by the demands of war and national identity.