Militairen 1875 - 1900

Jan de Waardt made this drawing, titled ‘Militairen,’ with pen in gray ink, and graphite. There is not much information about the personal life of Jan de Waardt, but in this drawing the artist provides insight into the experience of military life and the social dynamics within the armed forces of the time. What do we see here? A procession of soldiers walking towards their next destination. The body language and facial expressions of the soldiers on the front line are a study in class and gender. The work provides a glimpse into the hierarchies and power structures inherent in military organizations, revealing the experiences and identities of those who served. The act of portraying these military men prompts us to consider their place in society, and their personal stories. De Waardt’s work invites reflection on how military service shapes individual identity and the broader narratives of nationhood and belonging.