Kolonel van de Generale Staf 1835 - 1850

Albertus Verhoesen created this watercolor artwork, "Kolonel van de Generale Staf," which now resides in the Rijksmuseum. The artwork presents a study in contrasts. The Colonel's dark uniform, punctuated by gold epaulettes, stands against a muted background. The composition is dominated by the verticality of the figure, an impression heightened by his tall hat and confident posture. The Colonel's crossed arms suggest self-assurance, while the precise detailing of his uniform hints at the rigid structures of military order. These elements present a compelling commentary on authority and identity within a hierarchical system. Does the artwork subtly critique or celebrate this figure of power? The artwork's semiotic language invites us to consider how uniforms and posture can be read as signs of power. The artist encourages a visual and conceptual decoding of the subject.