Namen van Zweedse militairen c. 1845 - 1848

This page, titled ‘Names of Swedish Military Personnel’, is an early work by Christian Heinrich Gottlieb Steuerwald, executed with ink on paper. The composition is dominated by text inscribed in flowing, cursive script, which provides a stark contrast to the subdued, mottled background of the aged paper. The text is structured linearly, yet it dances across the page with varying line weights and calligraphic flourishes. This imbues a sense of movement and rhythm, almost as if the names themselves are marching in formation across the surface. The texture of the paper, with its discolorations and subtle undulations, suggests the passage of time and the weight of history. Steuerwald’s choice to present these names without embellishment invites us to reflect on the semiotic power of language. The formal simplicity allows for a focus on the act of naming. Consider how such a simple form can evoke deeper questions about identity, representation, and the role of the individual within a collective. This quiet yet powerful piece highlights the ways in which Steuerwald was engaging with art and its historical moment.