Artillerie 1827 - 1894

M. Hemeleers-van Houter created "Artillerie" as an uncolored print, using woodcut and letterpress techniques. The print depicts various scenes of soldiers on horseback and in formation. This work is an example of the militarization of European society in the 19th century, with its glorification of armed forces. The absence of color evokes a sense of austerity, reflecting the somber realities of military life, even amidst its organized display. Moreover, this artwork invites reflection on gender roles, as women are conspicuously absent from these representations of military power. By focusing on the masculine domain of warfare, the print underscores the exclusion of women from positions of authority and agency in society. It emphasizes a world where power is not only militarized, but also distinctly masculine.