Vijftiende beproeving, 1828 1828

"Vijftiende beproeving" (1828) by Jean-Louis Van Hemelryck is a satirical print depicting two soldiers in a comical scene. The soldier on the left, in a dramatic pose, holds a bottle of wine and appears to be intoxicated. The soldier on the right is in a startled, almost frantic, position, potentially reacting to the other soldier's behavior. The striped wallpaper in the background adds to the absurdity of the scene, suggesting a theatrical setting for this humorous commentary on military life. The work's title and caption, "La garde meurt elle ne se rend pas!" ("The guard dies, he does not surrender!"), further emphasizes the ironic nature of the image. This work is a classic example of caricature, a popular art form in the 19th century, often used to criticize social and political issues.