Medaillon met Vrijwillige Jagers der Utrechtse Hogeschool, 1830 1830

Michel Mourot created this print in 1830, depicting the Volunteer Hunters of Utrecht University. The central motif is a circular frame enclosing the young hunters, around which symbols of nation and military are carefully arranged. Note the flags draped around the frame, symbols of national identity and unity, echoing the visual language of ancient Roman military standards. In earlier times, flags often held sacred status, believed to embody the spirit of a community. Here, the artist uses the flags to instill a sense of patriotic fervor and collective identity. These are potent symbols, tapping into deep-seated emotions of belonging and allegiance. The cannons and rifles remind us of the ever-present potential for violence inherent in the concept of nationhood. It's a cyclical pattern: symbols of unity and defense intertwined with the instruments of conflict, a recurring theme throughout human history. This image serves not only as a historical record, but also as a potent reminder of the complex interplay between identity, emotion, and the enduring echoes of the past.