Portret van kolonel Knol, te paard 1803 - 1861

Jacob Joseph Eeckhout made this portrait of Colonel Knol on horseback using graphite and watercolor. The power and privilege inherent in military rank are evident in this piece, which is rendered in soft hues. The subject is depicted with a detached and stoic expression, embodying the virtues associated with military leadership at the time. Knol is presented as an individual who is not only a soldier, but also a figure of authority and respect. Yet the unfinished nature of the horse prompts reflection on the less visible aspects of military life. How does the portrayal of Colonel Knol strike you? Does it maintain traditional representations of military figures, or does it offer alternative perspectives on identity and power?