Optocht te Haarlem, 1872 (plaat 1) 1872

Curator: This lithograph, “Optocht te Haarlem, 1872 (plaat 1)” by Emrik & Binger, captures a military procession. It dates to 1872 and incorporates coloured pencil. Editor: Right away, I’m struck by the rhythm—the horses and soldiers seem to blend into a unified movement, almost musical. It's orderly but strangely…melancholy. Like watching a dream fade away. Curator: Precisely. The composition leads the eye from the detailed foreground figures—note the sharp rendering of their uniforms—towards the more indistinct, massed ranks in the distance, reinforcing a clear visual hierarchy. Consider the receding perspective. Editor: Yeah, it's more than just about seeing; it's about a memory fading into the haze of time. The almost faded colors in the lithograph definitely help bring across this idea. Curator: The piece provides an interesting example of period printmaking, with attention to texture. Observe how colour washes were added to enhance depth and drama. It almost elevates what otherwise might be mere documentation. Editor: Well, the fact that it is printed allows an amount of repetition, even in just the image. Look at how they re-used many of the characters and copied and pasted them as soldiers in the crowd. In a way, it gives us insight to that whole social structure, so many figures following the same exact route. But I also want to scream "break free!" from how perfect and uniformed the march looks. Curator: An astute interpretation. The repetition echoes an attempt at manufactured consent or public expression of uniformity. Editor: But that touch of color helps, and elevates the whole parade by a degree of symbolism I don't think anyone expected. Anyway, its stillness does allow a unique perspective, far away from the movement one expects of parades. I have had a change of mind; I no longer find it that sad after all! Curator: An insightful pivot. It's been a pleasure to discuss this subtle, complex work with you today. Editor: Likewise! A parade I didn't expect to ponder this deeply, or see the subtle notes to life that underlie every march.