Zes Pruisische militairen 1795 - 1796

This watercolor of six Prussian military figures, by S.G. Casten, shows close attention to the trappings of warfare. Painted on paper, the thin washes of pigment pool and blend, giving a sense of uniform materiality to the scene, as if these men were creatures of the earth. Consider what went into the making of this image. Paper, derived from processed plant fibers, provided a readily available ground. Pigments, ground from minerals and mixed with a binder, allowed for detailed rendering. The artist’s hand, trained to capture the likeness of these figures, imbued the work with a certain cultural significance. But beyond the techniques of painting, the image speaks to the labor involved in military production. From the tailoring of the ornate uniforms to the crafting of weapons and maps, these officers represent the vast networks of labor and resources necessary for warfare. By examining these materials and making processes, we come to understand that even a seemingly simple image carries within it complex social and political meanings.