Marechaussée 1835 - 1850

Albertus Verhoesen created this print of a Marechaussee, or military police officer, sometime in the 19th century. The print gives us a glimpse into the world of law enforcement and military presence during a period of significant social and political change in the Netherlands. Verhoesen’s choice to depict a member of the military police invites us to consider the role of authority and control within society. Consider, if you will, the Marechaussee—the embodiment of order, class and power—mounted high on horseback. What does it mean to be seen by such an figure? In what ways is this symbol of power gendered and raced? The image serves not just as a historical record, but as a point of reflection on the ongoing negotiation between state power and individual liberty, and on the narratives we construct around those who are tasked with maintaining order. This piece allows us to think deeply about whose stories are being told.