Montering van de artillerie van Zwolle, ca. 1787 1787 - 1790

This is an anonymous watercolor, dating to about 1787, depicting an artilleryman from Zwolle. Notice how the composition is dominated by a vertical orientation, the figure centered within a defined rectangular border. The artist employed a restricted color palette: the soldier's cobalt blue coat pops against the white breeches and neutral ground. This juxtaposition accentuates the figure's erect posture and the crisp lines of the uniform. The overall effect is one of formality and order, reflecting the period's emphasis on military precision and hierarchical structure. Consider the structural underpinnings here; how the artist uses line and color to delineate social roles. The uniform becomes a signifier, a visual code that speaks to the subject’s position and purpose within the military apparatus. What we are left with is not merely a portrait but an exploration of how identity is constructed through visual symbols, underscoring the intricate relationship between representation and power.