Sappeur der Schutterij 1835 - 1850

Editor: So, this is "Sappeur der Schutterij," a drawing and print by Albertus Verhoesen, made sometime between 1835 and 1850. The guy in the picture is pretty serious, isn't he? Almost theatrical. What do you see when you look at this portrait? Curator: Oh, but isn’t there also something almost…comical? He looks ready for both a parade and a pastry bake-off. I think Verhoesen brilliantly captures a specific moment in time, really. This is Romanticism, with its affection for the grand gestures of history, combined with a hint of the domestic and familiar. I can almost smell the musty wool of that uniform! It also makes me think, though: What did it mean to be part of this Schutterij, this civic guard? I see this man's face and wonder about the countless stories, dreams, and maybe even anxieties hidden behind that meticulously groomed beard. What's your take? Editor: I didn't really notice that tension. It does feel like there is something else going on beyond the uniform and weapon. How does the Romantic style impact the piece? Curator: The Romantic style amplifies that emotional depth. Notice the almost operatic stance, but rendered with precise lines—there's a heightened sense of individualism here. Think about the printmaking itself—the reproduction and spread of an ideal—what does it mean for national identity? It’s more than just a picture; it's a cultural artifact buzzing with subtle frequencies. It almost asks us to ponder what elements constitute "the ideal citizen." What does this drawing say to you about being "Dutch?" Editor: That's a lot to unpack. I guess I was too focused on the details, the uniform and his pose, to think about broader themes. Curator: But the details matter! They're the very essence of the story. Seeing how we react with these works is important. Keeps them alive, don't you think? Editor: Definitely. It’s amazing how a single portrait can reveal so much about a time and a place. I'll never look at a uniform the same way again.