Togt der infanterie / Infanterie en marche 1800 - 1833

Philippus Jacobus Brepols created this print called "Togt der infanterie / Infanterie en marche" whose date is unknown with etching. Notice how the figures are organized into neat rows and columns. This creates a sense of order and uniformity, typical of military formations. The use of color is strategic, with each row distinguished by a different color scheme—reds, yellows, and blues. This may not only represent different units but also serve a structural purpose, guiding the viewer's eye across the composition. Brepols uses line to delineate the uniforms and weaponry, providing a precise depiction of each soldier's attire and equipment. The lack of depth flattens the image, turning it into a pattern rather than a realistic scene. This flatness emphasizes the print's surface and its nature as a constructed representation. The rigid arrangement suggests a semiotic system, where each element—uniform, weapon, color—functions as a sign. It is open to ongoing interpretation, inviting us to reflect on the interplay between representation and reality.