Uniform van Engelse huzaar 1795 - 1796

This watercolor and ink drawing titled, *Uniform van Engelse huzaar*, is by S.G. Casten. Immediately noticeable is the vibrant application of color to the English Hussar against the pale page. The hussar’s uniform, horse trappings and steed are depicted in striking detail, drawing the viewer’s eye across the composition. Consider the structure of this piece – how Casten uses a flat plane of color to separate the figure from the background. This is a fascinating example of pictorial semiotics, where the artist uses visual signs to communicate information about the subject's identity and status. The horse, positioned mid-stride, is a visual signifier of movement and military readiness. The meticulous strokes create texture within the uniform. The image is not simply representational but also engages with broader themes of identity, representation, and power during its time. This artwork invites us to examine the codes and conventions that shape our understanding of historical figures.