Tamboer majoor der Infanterie 1835 - 1850

Curator: My goodness, talk about dressing for the job! Editor: Indeed. We’re looking at “Tamboer majoor der Infanterie” a watercolor from somewhere between 1835 and 1850, by Albertus Verhoesen. Currently it's part of the Rijksmuseum collection. It’s a portrait of a drum major from the infantry, captured with meticulous detail. Curator: It has the feeling of a very elaborate paper doll—the colors feel so controlled. All those perfect stripes on his sash! And is that…a feather on top of his already towering hat? How did they even keep their balance? I imagine a whole other layer of underpaid staff whose job was to just hold people's hats. Editor: Well, let’s consider that material reality, actually. The materials tell us quite a bit about its creation. Watercolor was often favored for studies of military uniforms – quicker to produce than oil, more portable for dissemination, and reproducible as prints. These images served to visualize and solidify the image of military authority. Curator: I like that, this image working almost as propaganda—dressing for the power you are trying to embody! It must have been an art to walking that line, not appearing ridiculous but imposing. Do you think this is supposed to be a particular person, or more of an idealized archetype? Editor: It’s hard to say definitively without further documentation. However, given the precision of detail in his uniform, it could very well be a portrait, intended to record a specific figure within the military hierarchy. The uniform speaks of social standing and function. Every button, stripe and decoration symbolizes belonging and the performance of duty. The way we display rank via clothing hasn't gone very far. Curator: Yes, you're right— the uniform tells the tale. Thinking of it in that context gives me new respect for its purpose. So, less frivolous fashion parade and more like visual power dressing. A uniform is really just socially acceptable drag—we are performative creatures after all, and the military class no exception! Editor: Precisely, and understanding the creation and deployment of such images really puts that into perspective. Curator: Exactly! Who knew a watercolor solider could inspire such ruminations?