Kolonel der Infanterie 1835 - 1850

Albertus Verhoesen made this small print of a Dutch infantry colonel using a technique known as hand-colored etching. Look closely, and you’ll see the precise lines that define the figure's uniform and bearing. These were incised into a metal plate, likely copper, with a sharp tool called a burin, then submerged in acid. Once printed, the artist delicately applied color by hand. Think for a moment about the social context: the print was not intended as a unique work of art, but rather as a repeatable image to be disseminated, much like printed news. So, while the artist's skill is evident, the print also reflects broader social themes of military, national identity, and perhaps even imperial ambition. Considering this small print, we realize that even seemingly simple artworks can speak volumes about labor, craft, and the social forces that shape our world.