Sergeant der O.I. Artillerie 1835 - 1850

This is Albertus Verhoesen's "Sergeant der O.I. Artillerie," a print held at the Rijksmuseum. The work is defined by its precise lines and controlled color palette. Notice how the figure's uniform, with its dark blue coat contrasted by the white crisscross of the straps and trousers, creates a striking visual hierarchy. The artist's attention to detail is evident in the way the uniform's textures and the landscape are rendered. The figure's erect posture, framed by the verticality of his hat and the bayonet, embodies the military values of order and discipline. Verhoesen’s choices regarding composition and colour serve a purpose beyond mere representation; they embody the socio-political context of military rank and the visual language of power. This piece exemplifies how formal elements can serve as potent carriers of cultural meaning.