Dragonders 1842 - 1856

P.J. Delhuvenne's print titled "Dragonders" presents rows of uniformed soldiers mounted on horseback, ready for battle. In this period, military service was often tied to notions of masculinity and national identity. Soldiers were seen as protectors of their country. The repetition of figures suggests the standardization and discipline inherent in military organizations. The uniforms serve to strip away individuality, reinforcing the idea of collective identity and purpose. But we might also consider how these representations normalize violence and assert dominance. Whose stories are left out of this narrative? What about the experiences of those affected by war, such as women and children? Delhuvenne’s artwork, while seemingly straightforward, prompts us to consider the complex relationship between identity, power, and representation. It serves as a reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of interrogating dominant narratives.