Adelborst der 1ste Klasse 1835 - 1850

Albertus Verhoesen created this print of a naval cadet, using vibrant watercolors to bring the figure to life. His arms are crossed, a gesture echoing defiance and self-assuredness found across millennia, from ancient Egyptian pharaohs to modern-day portraits. Consider the 'contrapposto' stance—the subtle shift of weight, one leg slightly bent—a posture refined in classical sculpture. This pose lends the figure a sense of relaxed readiness, a visual embodiment of poise and control. It's a lineage stretching back to antiquity. This crossing of arms appears throughout art history to indicate a complex interplay of emotions. Often it suggests a defensive posture, reflecting inner turmoil. The symbolism of these gestures continues its non-linear, cyclical progression through time, re-emerging, evolving, and taking on new meanings within different historical contexts.