Ruiterportret van maarschalk Gérard tijdens het beleg van Antwerpen 1832 - 1833

Victor Adam made this portrait of Maarschalk Gérard during the Siege of Antwerp. This print encapsulates 19th-century militaristic culture. The image presents a romanticized view of warfare, typical of the era, yet it prompts us to reflect on the stark realities of conflict. We see Gérard in a position of power, mounted high above the fray on a light grey horse. His assured gaze directs our attention, while in the background, soldiers are almost indiscernible. The contrast invites questions about the glorification of military figures, and whose stories get told. Adam’s work reflects a desire to immortalize Gérard, and in so doing, glosses over the human cost of battle. The print serves as a reminder of how images shape our understanding of history and heroism.