Mounted soldier 1847 - 1890

John-Lewis Brown made this print of a mounted soldier in the 19th century. It presents a figure of authority, sitting astride a horse, a classic symbol of power and control. France, where Brown worked, was undergoing significant social and political change at this time. The print hints at the military's role in maintaining order, and perhaps also comments on the legacy of military leaders in French history. The print's relatively small size suggests it was intended for private consumption, perhaps as a memento or a symbol of personal allegiance. The institutional history of art at this time is also important; the rise of printmaking allowed for wider distribution of images, democratizing access to art but also raising questions about originality and value. To fully understand this image, we need to delve into the visual culture of 19th-century France, looking at military history, popular imagery, and the art market. Only then can we understand its place in the social fabric of its time.