Wat wapens, wat kleedij, de kunst van exërceeren, / Bezie deez' prentjes slechts ge kunt er veel uit leeren (...) 1850 - 1870

This print by P.C.L. van Staden Czn. depicts various military figures and formations, offering a glimpse into the world of 19th-century European military dress and exercise. The print’s combination of text and image suggests a didactic function, aiming to educate its audience on the diverse roles and appearances within the armed forces. The presence of different national military types—like the Polish dragoon or Austrian cuirassier—reflects the period's complex political landscape, filled with shifting alliances and national identities. Yet, this ostensibly neutral depiction of military life is charged with the social and political realities of its time. Military service was closely tied to gender and class, with its roles often exclusively occupied by men and structured by social hierarchy. Notice how the artist carefully renders each uniform, potentially reflecting a desire for national pride, but also pointing to the human cost inherent in military conflict. The artwork's focus on the visual spectacle of military dress and training serves both as a celebration of martial prowess and as a reminder of the impact of conflict on society.