Staande officier 1670 - 1724

Jacob Gole created this print of a standing officer sometime between 1670 and 1724 using the mezzotint technique. At the time, The Dutch Republic was a major European power, enriched by overseas trade and defended by a capable military. Prints like these served as a visual record of the Republic’s military might and were circulated widely. But it's worth asking, who was this image really for? Was it designed to inspire patriotic sentiment, or did it function more like a fashion plate, offering a guide to the latest military styles? The officer’s elaborate wig, feathered hat, and ornate sash suggest that military service was as much about display as it was about combat. To understand this print fully, we might want to consult military archives, fashion history, and the records of printmakers and publishers. By placing the image in its social and institutional context, we can gain a richer understanding of its meaning and significance.