Kongelig hestegarde 1807

Johannes Senn created this image of the Kongelig Hestgarde, the Royal Horse Guard, in 1807 using watercolour on paper. Senn lived through a tumultuous period in European history, witnessing the Napoleonic Wars which significantly impacted Denmark. This artwork offers a glimpse into the identity and role of the military during that era. The guard's elaborate uniform and the horse’s controlled posture are visual markers of power and authority. Note how the guard’s towering headdress and polished sword add to the spectacle of military presence. The image subtly reinforces societal hierarchies, emphasizing the dominance of the military and, by extension, the monarchy. Senn's choice of watercolor lends a delicate quality to the scene, creating a contrast between the softness of the medium and the rigid formality of the subject matter. The artwork invites us to reflect on how identity is constructed through symbols of status, while also considering the human stories behind the uniforms and the horses.