Komt, jongelingen komt, wilt gy de wapens dragen, / Kies maar uw eigen zin, wat uw strekt tot behagen, / Het zy een curassier, ulaan of een huzaar, / Verkiest gy een lanssier, de dienst is voor uw klaar 1842 - 1866

Editor: Here we have a print entitled "Komt, jongelingen komt, wilt gy de wapens dragen…” dating from 1842 to 1866, made with pen and engraving by weduwe C. Kok-van Kolm, currently residing in the Rijksmuseum. There’s a decidedly martial air to it – lots of proud men on horseback. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Immediately, I'm struck by the romanticism, how it uses the image of the soldier as a symbol of national identity and pride. The repetition of the verses, paired with the individual figures, creates a sense of both unity and personal choice in serving the nation. Do you see any particular details that resonate with that theme? Editor: Definitely the confident posture of each rider, but the framing, the way the images are laid out like cards, it seems to normalize these archetypes… but cards are used for chance, right? So perhaps it's talking about fate? Curator: An astute observation. It’s less about chance, I believe, and more about accessibility of military roles: curassier, ulaan, hussar, or lancer. Each depicted as equally glorious, with corresponding verses suggesting valor and sacrifice. In the mid-19th century, with rising nationalism across Europe, visual rhetoric served to inspire patriotism. The print isn't just decorative; it’s a recruitment tool and idealogical expression. Does knowing that change your view? Editor: Yes, it clarifies why those verses seemed so declarative, like calls to action! And framing each class of soldier with similar poses implies, I think, an invitation… and the romance element gives them an edge. I hadn’t considered how directly art could function in civic life like this. Curator: It's a potent reminder that images often carry specific intent, deeply entwined with cultural and historical context. Considering what the artist hopes to convey brings depth. Editor: Absolutely! Thanks for unlocking the historical and symbolic weight of this print.