Vaandel van de Vrijw. Jagers der H. school te Leyden 1835 - 1850

This drawing, by Albertus Verhoesen, captures the "Banner of the Volunteer Hunters of the High School in Leiden." The composition centers on a figure, rigidly posed, with a flat, ochre-colored banner serving as the primary backdrop. The color palette is restrained, predominantly using muted tones that give the piece a subdued presence. Formally, the artist’s attention to detail in the uniform contrasts with the simplified, almost symbolic rendering of the flag. This contrast invites us to consider the artwork as a study in semiotics, where the uniform and banner serve as signifiers of identity and allegiance. The flatness of the picture plane, combined with the precision of the linework, creates a visual tension. It destabilizes the conventional expectations of depth and realism. The banner, with its inscribed motto, can be seen as a structural device around which Verhoesen explores themes of civic duty and scholarly pursuits. By engaging with such formalism, the artwork transcends mere representation, prompting ongoing interpretation of its cultural and philosophical resonances.