Engelse en Russische krijgsgevangen in Haarlem, 1799 1801 - 1803

Curator: Immediately I’m struck by the subdued palette; a monochromatic wash gives the scene a sense of melancholy, don’t you think? Editor: Indeed. What we’re viewing is an etching with engraving created by Ludwig Gottlieb Portman between 1801 and 1803. The piece, held here at the Rijksmuseum, is titled "English and Russian prisoners of war brought into Haarlem, 1799." Curator: Ah, yes, that contextualizes the somber tone. Look at the faces, the weary slump of their shoulders—there’s no glorification of war here, only the weary aftermath. I would also observe the strict organization of the group. Observe the architecture used here as a device of inclusion of all subjects: war prisoners, civilians, guards and even the random dog—a full and vivid narrative emerges Editor: The composition directs us toward the prisoners being led through a city gate, and then notice how Portman uses the dense trees on the left and architectural details on the right as framing devices. This visual rhythm moves us into and through the scene. Curator: And the contrast! Observe how the soliders appear, seemingly united. The light emphasizes their movement forward, where prisoners on the other hand move in no organized way and bathed in shadow. The body language in all players involved speaks volumes; note how there's even what appears to be children staring in a semi-playful yet horrified way. Editor: I find the inclusion of civilians watching to be quite effective as well. They become our stand-ins as viewers—a crowd absorbs the event and makes the scene all the more real. I admire how Portman can convey such depth of feeling through such fine lines. The entire moment feels…observed, somehow—almost as though history happened and the best it could do was pause for us. Curator: Absolutely; that layering effect, with architecture that frames life itself, is amazing. Editor: A powerful reminder that even in supposed victory, the human cost is undeniable, the pain unavoidable and ultimately there for anyone who takes a look.