Officier van de artillerie van het Genootschap tot Nut der Schutterij te Amsterdam, 1787 1787

This watercolour drawing, titled "Officier van de artillerie van het Genootschap tot Nut der Schutterij te Amsterdam, 1787" was made in 1787 by an anonymous artist. The composition divides almost equally between the officer and his cannon, creating an interesting interplay of human authority and military might. The officer is in a flamboyant pose, emphasized by the textures and detail of his attire and the clean diagonal lines of the cannon barrel. The cannon is a marvel of engineering, and yet the officer's gaze and gesture direct us beyond the weaponry, almost transcending them. This contrast is further accentuated by the colour scheme; the cool blues of the officer's uniform against the greys of the cannon. The cool blues and greys suggest a sense of detached professionalism, but the composition invites us to reflect on the complexities of power and the human element within the military apparatus. The artwork challenges us to question how such images construct not just a representation of military personnel, but an entire ideology of order, control, and spectacle.