Drum-major in Full Uniform 1825 - 1827

A. Courtois created this print depicting a Drum-major in full uniform, but without a specific date we must look to the details of the image itself to understand the cultural context. The print shows a Dutch Drum Major, resplendent in a highly ornamented uniform. The tall fur hat topped with a plume, the gold epaulettes, and the white sash speak to the importance of military spectacle. The drum major, positioned in front of the drummers and the company of soldiers, functions as a figurehead, embodying the military values of order, discipline and honor. Prints like these served multiple purposes. They documented the uniforms of different regiments, contributing to a sense of military identity and pride. They also circulated as popular imagery, reinforcing the prestige of military service. Analyzing such prints requires close attention to the details of dress, weaponry, and social context, as can be found in regimental histories and collections of military ephemera. Drum-major in Full Uniform offers a window into the visual culture of the Dutch military and its role in shaping social perceptions of power and authority.