Uniform van de vlagofficieren van de Marine, 1845 1845

Louis Salomon Leman created this print in 1845, depicting the uniforms of Dutch naval flag officers. The image offers insight into the visual codes of power and status within the 19th-century Dutch military. Made during a period of relative peace for the Netherlands, after the Belgian Revolution, the image reflects a self-conscious desire to project strength and order. Consider how the cut of the uniforms, the gold epaulettes, and the swords, all work together to communicate authority. Note also the backdrop of ships at sea, a subtle reminder of Dutch maritime power. The institutional history of the Dutch Navy is essential for fully understanding the print's context. The Navy played a crucial role in the Dutch colonial empire, and this image can be seen as a celebration of that history and the social hierarchy that sustained it. To understand more, we can consult period documents, such as naval regulations and ship manifests. By understanding the social and institutional context, we can better understand the complex meanings embedded within this seemingly simple image.