Soldaten leven / Vie militaire 1856 - 1900

This print titled "Soldaten leven / Vie militaire" – or "Soldier's Life" – was made by Lutzen, though the precise date remains unknown. Divided into twelve panels, each accompanied by Dutch and French text, it depicts scenes of military life, likely from the 18th or early 19th century. The artwork gives us glimpses into the daily routines, camaraderie, and occasional absurdities of soldiers. Made in a time of significant military and political upheaval in Europe, one can imagine the work speaks to the experience of ordinary soldiers during conflicts, perhaps commenting on the then-current military norms. Was it made for soldiers? Or for family members back home? To understand this work fully, one must delve into the history of military imagery, popular culture, and the specific conflicts of the time. Prints like these offer valuable insights into the social history of military life, providing perspectives often absent from official accounts and revealing how war touched the lives of ordinary people.