Korporaal der O.I. Infanterie 1835 - 1850

Albertus Verhoesen rendered this figure of a corporal of the Dutch East Indies Infantry in pen and watercolor. Note the soldier's gesture, arm extended as he points, a symbol laden with cultural and historical weight. The gesture echoes far beyond this single figure. Think back to antiquity, where Roman emperors commanded legions, their arms outstretched in a similar fashion, directing the course of history. Then fast forward through time, and observe how Renaissance artists employed this very gesture to depict biblical figures, imbuing them with divine authority. Consider Leonardo da Vinci’s John the Baptist, the arm raised, pointing to the heavens, reminiscent of ancient orators addressing crowds. This motif traverses time, evolving yet retaining the core intention of guidance and leadership. It seems that the act of pointing transcends mere instruction, tapping into a deeper human need for direction, power, and control. This symbolic weight creates an emotional and psychological force, engaging viewers on a subconscious level.