Disembarkation in England 1879

Félix Hilaire Buhot’s etching captures a wet, windswept pier, likely in England, filled with travelers and dominated by a British flag. This flag, a potent symbol of nationhood, represents more than just a country; it embodies a complex web of historical, cultural, and political associations. Consider how flags—these simple arrangements of color and symbol—have served across time. In ancient Rome, the eagle standard marched legions into new territories. Even in religious contexts, the vexillum was representative of power. The collective memory of what a flag stands for influences our perception, stirring feelings of allegiance, pride, or even aversion based on individual and collective experiences. Buhot’s choice to depict the flag prominently invites us to consider the complex emotions tied to national identity, an emblem that has been reinterpreted and repurposed throughout history. This symbol is a powerful visual shorthand that continues to evolve, reflecting our ever-changing relationship with concepts of nation, belonging, and power.