Uniform van de officieren van de transport-trein, 1845 1845

This illustration of a transport officer’s uniform was made in 1845 by Louis Salomon Leman. The officer, mounted on horseback, is depicted with his arm outstretched, his index finger emphatically pointing forward. This gesture, deeply embedded in our collective memory, transcends mere direction. Think of ancient Roman emperors gesturing for triumphs, or Renaissance depictions of John the Baptist pointing towards the divine. It's a visual command, imbued with authority and purpose. Yet, its meaning shifts across time. While once symbolizing divine guidance or imperial power, here, it signifies the direction of military logistics, a more pragmatic, modern application. This symbol, deeply rooted in human psychology, continues its journey through history, morphing, adapting, and resurfacing, always carrying echoes of its past.