Cavalerie op de heide 1884

Ottomar Anschütz created this photograph, Cavalerie op de heide, during a period of great change in Germany, marked by industrialization and military expansion. The image captures a cavalry riding across a heath; the riders seem almost like a single entity, embodying discipline and military might. This depiction can be viewed through the lens of nationalism, a sentiment deeply entrenched in the late 19th century, where displays of strength were integral to national identity. Yet, this seemingly straightforward image also obscures the complex social dynamics of the time. The focus on the military often overshadowed the experiences of marginalized groups. The working class, for example, faced immense pressure with the rapid industrial expansion; their stories were rarely told. This photograph, while a display of national pride, thus invites reflection on whose narratives are highlighted and whose are left in the shadows. Consider, as you look at this photograph, the personal stories behind this show of force.