Officier van het Korps Vrijwilligers tot het verrigten van Kavallerie diensten langs de linie van de Kapitalen Dam tot Sluis 1835 - 1850

This hand colored print by Albertus Verhoesen depicts an officer of the Volunteer Corps, a cavalry unit active in the Netherlands in the early 19th century. The print offers a glimpse into the social and political complexities of the time. Volunteer corps were formed by citizens during periods of unrest, as a means to maintain order and defend against external threats. The officer’s identity is tied to his class and civic duty. His ornate uniform reflects his status and the expectations of his role. The sword at his side suggests the potential for violence, reflecting the turbulent climate in Europe after the French Revolution. This image prompts us to consider the dynamics between individual identity, civic responsibility, and military power, and the tensions that arise when citizens take up arms in the name of order and security.