Cornet der Lanciers, in groote tenue, te paard, met de Standaart 1823

This print, by Joannes Bemme, depicts a lancer in full dress uniform, proudly mounted on horseback, standard in hand. The work reflects the militaristic culture of the Netherlands during a time of political upheaval and national identity formation, following French occupation. Bemme’s representation of the soldier, complete with elaborate ornamentation, speaks to the emphasis on masculine ideals of duty and honor. However, this image can also be seen as a marker of class distinction and national pride, during the transition from the Batavian Republic to the Kingdom of Holland. The lancer becomes an emblem of state power, even as it romanticizes military service, and the potential violence of the period. What does this image evoke in you? Does it connect to our current understandings of nationhood and military identity? The print prompts us to reflect on the complex relationship between individual identity, state power, and the cultural narratives that shape our understanding of history.