Uniform van de officieren van de mineurs en sappeurs, 1845 1845

Louis Salomon Leman created this print in 1845, depicting uniformed officers. Consider the hat, a tall, cylindrical form adorned with a crest. This is not merely headwear but a symbol of authority. We can trace similar symbols of verticality across cultures. Think of the towering headdresses of ancient rulers, or even the mitres worn by religious figures. These forms reach skyward, suggesting a connection to higher powers. The rigid posture and precisely tailored garments also speak volumes. These men are presented as disciplined and ready, embodying the virtues of order and control. The visual vocabulary speaks to an enduring human desire to establish hierarchy and project power, and engage viewers on a deep, subconscious level as a powerful force. Such symbols do not follow a linear path. They resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, reflecting our ever-changing relationship with authority and control.