Soldaten te paard before 1898

Soldaten te paard, or Soldiers on Horseback, a small black and white photograph by G. Baader, depicts a group of mounted soldiers in a seemingly casual setting. Without specific dates or context, we can still reflect on how the image evokes a certain militaristic ideal. Who are these soldiers? What does it mean to be in service? What does it feel like? There is an emotional experience to be had while considering these images. Photography, especially in its early days, often served to document and idealize military strength. How do we relate this historical representation of soldiers to contemporary understandings of conflict, power, and identity? The seemingly relaxed nature of the soldiers belies the authority and the implicit threat they represent. How do we understand that now? The photograph serves as a lens through which to examine the interweaving of personal identity and larger political structures. The image prompts us to consider the relationship between the individual, their role in society, and the emotional toll it takes on all parties involved.