Nederlandse Schutterij, 1830 1830 - 1831

Hendrik Greeven created this image of the Dutch civic guard in 1830 using etching and engraving. Dominating the scene is the leader of the group, confidently seated on horseback, gesturing with an outstretched arm. This assertive gesture, intended to inspire and direct, has deep roots in antiquity. Consider the Roman emperors depicted in statues, often raising their arms in a similar fashion, a display of command and authority. But let us consider the "Adlocutio," a conventional pose of Roman emperors addressing their troops. This motif, signifying power and leadership, persists through medieval and Renaissance art, evolving and adapting, yet always carrying echoes of its origin. The civic guard is a link in a non-linear chain that connects us with history. The symbolic weight of this gesture, passed down through centuries, tapping into our collective memory and engaging us on a subconscious level. It is not merely a depiction of a moment in time but a powerful visual symbol with layers of historical and cultural significance, resonating with ancestral ideas of leadership and command.