Friese Garde du Corps in de begrafenisstoet van prinses Maria Louise, 1765 1765

In 1765, Rienk Jelgerhuis made this print, depicting the Friese Garde du Corps in the funeral procession of Princess Maria Louise. The print provides a fascinating window into the institutional role of the military in the Dutch Republic. Through meticulous details, Jelgerhuis captures the order and precision expected during such state events. Note the regimented lines of soldiers, each figure seemingly identical, emphasizing the collective identity and discipline of the Garde du Corps. The inclusion of specific officers highlights the hierarchy within the military structure. By immortalizing this event, Jelgerhuis isn't merely documenting a funeral but also reinforcing the social and political order of his time. The print serves as a visual record of power, emphasizing the importance of ceremony in maintaining social cohesion. By consulting period documents, military records, and social histories, we can better understand the intricate relationship between art, power, and society in the 18th-century Dutch Republic.