Trompetter van 't Reg. Lanciers 1835 - 1850

Albertus Verhoesen made this watercolor of a lancer regiment trumpeter. Watercolor is an interesting medium. The powdered pigment is suspended in water, rather than oil. This gives the medium a unique fluidity, which you can see particularly in the rendering of the figure’s clothing and the naturalistic ground beneath his feet. But consider how this choice of materials and technique might relate to the subject matter. Military uniforms are typically made from woven cloth, often wool, dyed with vibrant colors. The process of creating the textile involves complex labor practices and global supply chains. Verhoesen’s choice to depict the trumpeter in watercolor, rather than a more traditionally "high art" medium like oil paint, is a statement about the relationship between art and craft. It invites us to consider the value of different forms of labor, both artistic and industrial. The production of clothing and textiles may be easily overlooked, but in fact it is essential to understand the full picture of society, just as the skill of a trumpeter is crucial to a regiment.