Koninklijke Jager 1830 - 1835

Willem Charles Magnenat made this print of a royal Jaegar, or Royal Hunter, in the Netherlands sometime in the first half of the 19th century. This image represents the militarization of Dutch society in the post-Napoleonic era, when the Netherlands was re-established as a monarchy. Through his uniform, accoutrements, and upright posture, the Jaegar embodies a sense of national pride. Yet, the print also presents an idealized image of military service. The figure appears to be in a domestic setting and the soldier's identity is made generic. Prints like these would have been widely circulated in the Netherlands, reflecting a growing sense of national identity. To better understand this image, we can research military history, the history of Dutch nationalism, and printmaking in the Netherlands during this period. Ultimately, the meaning of this print is deeply rooted in its historical and cultural context.