Lanciers 1800 - 1833

Editor: Here we have *Lanciers*, a lithograph print dating from 1800 to 1833 by Philippus Jacobus Brepols, residing at the Rijksmuseum. The repetition of figures almost gives a sense of movement but there's a stillness to it too. How do you interpret this work? Curator: This image offers a window into the visual culture of its time, particularly concerning military identity and representation. What stands out to me is how it reflects the glorification of military figures. Consider the symbolic weight of each lancer: How does their standardized appearance potentially mask individual stories and lived experiences, especially if they come from different social backgrounds? Editor: That’s a great point about the masking. The vibrant colours of their uniforms do seem to contribute to that glorification, almost like idealizing them. Do you think the print medium itself plays a role in how the message is disseminated? Curator: Absolutely! The print medium made it easily reproducible, and, as such, served as propaganda for recruitment and nation-building efforts of the period. These weren't just portraits; they were tools for shaping public perception and national identity. How does this resonate with contemporary images circulating in our digital age? Editor: It is similar to recruitment videos produced today, but also it shows how a medium like prints could function to build ideologies. That makes me think differently about art's role in society then and now. Thank you! Curator: Indeed! Examining artworks through the lens of their social and historical contexts is key. I'm glad this shifted your perspective.