Lancier 1835 - 1850

Albertus Verhoesen created this print of a lancer, a type of cavalry soldier, using what seems to be etching or engraving on paper. This method involves incising lines into a metal plate, inking it, and then pressing the paper against the plate to transfer the image. Notice the fine lines and the delicate shading used to define the lancer's uniform and the horse's musculature. These details speak to the labor-intensive process and the skill required to produce such a print. The work would have been made in multiples, a relatively affordable way to disseminate imagery during this period. Prints like this played an important role in shaping public perceptions of military figures and their equipment. They capture a moment in time, preserving details of uniforms, weaponry, and the overall aesthetic of military life. In focusing on the material qualities and production processes behind works of art, we can gain a deeper appreciation for their cultural significance and the ways in which they reflect broader social and historical contexts.