Sergeaant van het Korps Jagers van Cleerens 1835 - 1850

This print by Albertus Verhoesen captures a sergeant of the Cleerens regiment with meticulous detail, using etching and watercolour. The figure, rendered with precision, stands out against the stark white background, immediately drawing our attention to the uniform. Verhoesen's approach highlights the structural and semiotic aspects of military attire. The crisp lines define the jacket, trousers and hat, while the colour palette focuses on the dark blues and reds to convey authority. The sergeant's erect posture and the rifle he holds are visual signs, reinforcing his role as a figure of power and order. His outfit is not merely clothing, but a collection of symbols which communicate his status and function within the regiment. Notice also how the background lacks any narrative context, focusing purely on the visual impact of the figure. It is through these carefully rendered details that Verhoesen invites us to consider the broader implications of military representation and the construction of identity. This artwork thus functions as both a historical document and a study in the visual language of power.