Standing soldier with his jacket on one shoulder 1820 - 1866

Victor Adam created this print of a soldier, jacket draped casually over one shoulder, sometime in the first half of the 19th century. This image speaks to the social and cultural fascination with military figures during this period in Europe. Adam, who was French, presents us with a romanticized view of military life. The soldier’s ornate uniform and confident stance suggest a figure of authority and power. But we should also ask: what specific kind of power did this image hold? Lithographs like this one were relatively cheap and easy to produce, they played a significant role in shaping public opinion and promoting particular ideologies. Was this image intended as a celebration of French military might, or perhaps as a commentary on the social status and power associated with military service? Historians can look at a variety of sources, including military records, popular literature, and other visual representations of soldiers to understand the cultural significance of this image.