Drie uniformen van het Amsterdamse exercitiegenootschap in 1783-1787 1795

S.G. Casten’s watercolor drawing depicts three Amsterdam militia uniforms between 1783 and 1787, a period of political tension in the Dutch Republic. These volunteer corps, called “exercitiegenootschappen," emerged from a desire for greater citizen participation in governance. The drawing offers a glimpse into the visual identity of these groups, each uniform carefully rendered. They reflect a desire to represent authority and civic duty. But what does it mean to see these men lined up so neatly? Does it evoke a sense of order, or does it hint at the social disruptions of the time? These uniforms are more than mere garments; they symbolize the complex interplay of class, power, and identity. The drawing invites us to consider how these men saw themselves, and how they wished to be seen by others, during a pivotal moment in Dutch history.