Erewacht te Arnhem, 1811

This print, “Erewacht te Arnhem”, was made in 1811 by an anonymous artist. It depicts members of the “Garde d’Honneur,” an elite military unit, and it was printed using lithography. The appeal of this image resides not just in its subject matter, but also in the possibilities opened up by its mode of production. Lithography allowed for the relatively inexpensive and rapid reproduction of images, making visual information more accessible to a wider audience. It democratized image-making, taking it away from the realm of unique artworks and putting it into circulation. The resulting print has a somewhat flat, graphic quality, lacking the depth of a painting, but possessing its own unique charm. Consider also the social context: Napoleon’s occupation of the Netherlands. The “Garde d’Honneur” was formed to provide ceremonial escort for the emperor during his visits. So, this seemingly straightforward depiction of soldiers also speaks to themes of power, control, and national identity. By considering the materials, making, and context of this print, we can appreciate its full significance.