Borduursel voor het uniform voor de kapiteins en kapitein-luitenants van de Marine, 1845 1845

Louis Salomon Leman created this design for embroidery for naval uniforms in 1845. Consider the weight of such symbols, especially in the mid-19th century. What does it mean to wear an emblem of state-sanctioned power? How does it shape the wearer's identity and their actions? These naval uniforms were not merely garments, they were signifiers of authority, of class, and of nation. Think about the cultural narratives embedded within them. The golden thread weaving images of anchors and leaves on a navy captain's uniform speaks of maritime strength, colonial power, and a very specific kind of masculine identity. This design reminds us that clothing is never neutral. Every stitch, every emblem, tells a story of the values and hierarchies of its time. So, how might these symbols evolve to reflect different stories, different values, and different experiences?