Getuigschrift voor de militair Andreas Dautzenberg, 1897 1880 - 1897

This is a certificate made in 1897, by F. A. Wartenbergh for the R.K. Military Association, likely a Catholic organization in Maastricht. The image creates meaning through a combination of religious and nationalistic symbols typical of the period. You’ll notice that Saint Augustine, the patron saint of the association, is prominently featured, as is Saint George, the dragon slayer. These images are intertwined with explicit references to god, the king, and the fatherland. This certificate reflects the social and political dynamics of the Netherlands at the time, particularly the strong influence of religious organizations and the emphasis on national identity and military service. It seems to advocate for a conservative social order that brings together the church and the state. Understanding this image requires a dive into the institutional histories of military associations and religious orders in the Netherlands, including the way they contributed to the formation of national identity. Such research helps us understand the multifaceted relationship between art, power, and social values.