Wellington krijgt tijdens de slag bij Waterloo veroverde Franse standaarden, 1815 1815

This print from 1815 by Willem Hendrik Hoogkamer captures a pivotal moment during the Battle of Waterloo. The composition unfolds with a stark contrast between the foreground and the receding background, marked by linear ranks of soldiers and distant smoky battlefields. Hoogkamer uses perspective to construct a visual hierarchy, with Wellington and his staff prominently positioned in the middle ground. This formal arrangement isn’t just representational; it's a carefully constructed narrative. The receding lines of soldiers, balanced by the cannon in the lower left, create a sense of depth while emphasizing the order and discipline of Wellington's forces. The lithographic medium itself contributes to the overall effect, with its tonal range lending a sense of drama to the scene. By structuring the scene through lines, forms, and tonal contrasts, Hoogkamer communicates not just the event, but a specific interpretation of it.