Belgisch leger / Armée Belge 1866 - 1902

Franciscus Antonius Beersmans created this piece, titled "Belgisch leger / Armée Belge", using an engraving technique. This triptych visualizes the transformation of the Belgian army. On the left, we see soldiers in antiquated armor, reminiscent of a medieval or early Renaissance army. The central panel transitions to soldiers with more modern uniforms, though still quite ceremonial. By the final panel on the right, they are nude, standing before the grim reaper. The image reflects the social and cultural anxieties of the late 19th century, when many feared the impact of modernization on traditional values and institutions. Belgium, a relatively new nation at the time, was grappling with its identity, caught between its historical roots and its aspirations for modernity. The artist invites us to contemplate the transient nature of military power and the inevitability of change. To truly understand this work, one might delve into military history, the social history of 19th-century Belgium, and the artistic conventions of the period. Art history is not just about aesthetics; it's about understanding the complex interplay between art, society, and history.