Sir, you can count on us as on the Old Guard 1831

Auguste Raffet created this lithograph, "Sir, you can count on us as on the Old Guard," capturing a moment of fervent loyalty. The central symbol, Napoleon on horseback, revives the classical motif of the equestrian leader, echoing Roman emperors. But here, the surrounding soldiers elevate Napoleon's image. Their upraised faces and forward-marching posture aren't just about military discipline; they speak to a collective emotional investment in Napoleon's cause, a potent blend of paternalistic authority and shared destiny. This motif of the devoted follower echoes across time. Think of medieval depictions of knights sworn to their lords or even religious scenes of disciples clustered around a messiah. These are visual assertions of belonging and belief. Such imagery touches something deep within us—our need for connection, for a cause, for a leader to believe in. It’s a primal force that resurfaces, again and again, shaped by history yet rooted in our shared human psyche.