Komt, jongelingen komt, wilt gy de wapens dragen, / Kies maar uw eigen zin, wat uw strekt tot behagen, / Het zy een curassier, ulaan of een huzaar, / Verkiest gy een lanssier, de dienst is voor uw klaar 1842 - 1866

This print, created by the widow C. Kok-van Kolm, showcases idealized figures of military men on horseback. Note the distinct uniforms and weaponry, each a symbol of martial prowess and national identity. The recurring image of the horse, a symbol of power and virility, stretches back to antiquity. We see this motif echoed in equestrian statues of Roman emperors, where the rider embodies authority and control. But here, the spirited horses and their riders, presented as desirable roles for young men, evoke a sense of patriotic fervor. Consider the lance, a weapon seen across cultures, from medieval jousts to ancient warfare, symbolizing both aggression and honor. This call to arms can be interpreted as a projection of collective desires, tapping into the subconscious yearning for glory and protection. The idealized figures and their assured stances serve as potent symbols, inspiring courage and a willingness to sacrifice for the fatherland.