Vaandeldrager van het 2e Batt. 1 Afd: Geldersche Schutterij 1835 - 1850

Albertus Verhoesen made this watercolor of the standard-bearer of the Geldersche Schutterij. Its purpose was to represent and celebrate local civic guard militias, reflecting a broader European trend of citizen armies. The image's meaning is created through the proud stance of the standard-bearer. The orange flag which bears a laurel wreath refers to Dutch national identity and military prowess. It was likely made in the Netherlands sometime in the first half of the 19th century, a period marked by the rise of nationalism and citizen participation in defense. The Schutterijen themselves were deeply embedded in Dutch social life, embodying local patriotism and civic duty. Art historians might delve into municipal archives, military records, and visual culture studies of Dutch society to unpack the full significance of this image. Understanding art always involves understanding its historical and institutional context.