Playing Soldier c. 1743

Philippe Mercier, a Prussian artist active in England, painted "Playing Soldier." In this painting, the costumes and props suggest a world of play and make-believe. Yet, we should consider the significance of dressing up as soldiers in 18th-century Britain. It's likely these children belonged to the gentry, playing at roles associated with the military and the empire. The painting doesn't simply show children at play; it reproduces social hierarchies. It reflects the way the aristocracy saw itself, while the dog propped up as a soldier points to the natural order of things. This kind of imagery was quite popular with elite families. It affirmed their values and status. By studying these paintings, alongside archival sources like letters and family histories, we get a clearer picture of the social norms and power dynamics of the time. Art becomes a window into the ideologies that shaped society.