Sleutel bij de prent van de Slag bij Waterloo, 1815 1815

Jan Anthonie Langendijk Dzn created this key to the print of the Battle of Waterloo around 1815, rendered in pen and ink. Langendijk's career as a draughtsman coincided with a period of immense political and social upheaval in Europe, with the rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte. This key offers more than just identification; it provides a glimpse into the power dynamics of the time. The artist meticulously sketches the figures of authority, contrasting the leaders with the obscured mass of soldiers. It invites us to consider whose stories are deemed worthy of representation and remembrance. Langendijk’s detailed, yet detached style can be seen as a reflection of the shifting allegiances and nationalistic sentiments stirred by the Napoleonic Wars. Consider how this key challenges traditional war narratives, inviting contemplation on individual roles within grand historical events. How does it feel to view history through such a personal lens?