Soldaat maakt zijn geweer schoon 1837 - 1853

Carel Christiaan Antony Last created this print, “Soldier Cleaning His Gun,” capturing a domestic moment amidst symbols of war and innocence. Note the central figure meticulously cleaning his weapon, a long and imposing object, a symbol that stretches back through antiquity: the spear, the sword, and now the rifle. This act of maintenance contrasts sharply with the boy clutching his toys, beside a playful rabbit. The rabbit, often a symbol of fertility and innocence, juxtaposes the harsh realities of military life. The boy himself, clinging to childhood comforts, represents a poignant reminder of what is at stake in times of conflict. Consider how the rifle's elongated form recurs in depictions of power dynamics, mirroring the scepters of kings or the staffs of religious figures. The act of cleaning it can be seen, perhaps, as a ritualistic purification, a way of psychologically preparing for the violence it will unleash. The image resonates with a deep, subconscious tension between the innocence of youth and the inescapable presence of conflict, a dichotomy that surfaces repeatedly throughout history, reminding us of humanity's enduring struggle.