Officier der Koninkl. Jagers 1835 - 1850

Albertus Verhoesen created this artwork of an officer using an unconfirmed medium sometime in the 19th century. The composition is dominated by the officer's figure, rendered with a sharp, linear precision that emphasizes the details of his uniform and posture. The colour palette is restrained, primarily featuring dark greens and blacks contrasted by the gold epaulettes, creating a visual hierarchy within the frame. The officer's outstretched arm, directing our gaze beyond the picture plane, acts as a visual signifier, compelling the viewer to consider what lies outside the depicted scene. This gesture, combined with the rigid pose, suggests a narrative beyond mere portraiture. The emphasis on the uniform's structure—the placement of buttons, the cut of the coat—functions as a semiotic system, communicating ideas of authority and order. This work challenges the traditional notion of portraiture by focusing on symbolic representation through form and gesture. The interplay between these elements invites ongoing interpretation, highlighting the officer’s role within a structured social and political context.