Militairen 1818 - 1848

Editor: This etching, titled "Militairen," roughly translates to "Soldiers." It's dated sometime between 1818 and 1848, and it’s currently housed in the Rijksmuseum. Made by Mindermann & Co, it’s presented almost like a comic strip, with these little vignettes of military life. What's striking is the humorous tone amidst what I imagine was a turbulent period. What's your take on it? Curator: Indeed, this piece offers a fascinating glimpse into the public perception of the military during that period. Think about the early 19th century – the Napoleonic Wars had just ended, and European societies were rebuilding and re-evaluating their relationship with military power. The presentation as a "comic" points to a changing social dynamic where military institutions are brought to question by the public through visual media, such as etchings like these being widely distributed to different segments of society. What aspects of the imagery contribute to this reading, in your view? Editor: Well, there's a kind of absurdity in the repetition. And they seem to bumble their way around cannons and gunpowder. I guess making it a comic downplays the military seriousness. Curator: Precisely! It subtly challenges the romanticized notions of war and valor. Etchings like these become important social commentators, shaping public discourse. So we see art here functioning as social commentary within a very particular historical and institutional landscape. Mindermann & Co knew their audience! Editor: That’s incredible! I had initially seen it as just something funny, but understanding the cultural context makes me appreciate its significance. Curator: Exactly, and this highlights how the "comic" art could be more impactful than the "serious" works. Visual communication through institutions play different roles within society.