Kaartspelende militairen 1823 - 1869

Charles Billoin created this etching of soldiers playing cards in the 19th century. Billoin, who specialized in military subjects, offers a glimpse into the daily lives of soldiers beyond the battlefield. The print captures a moment of leisure and camaraderie, yet it's impossible to ignore the social and political contexts of 19th-century Europe. During this period, military service was deeply intertwined with national identity and often with colonial expansion. These men, regardless of their individual backgrounds, were agents of state power, participating in a system that perpetuated inequalities. Billoin doesn't shy away from depicting the human side of these figures, revealing a shared moment of rest and relaxation in an otherwise violent environment. What does it mean to see these soldiers at play, and what narratives are left out of this seemingly casual scene? As we consider this image, we must reflect on the stories it tells, and the silences it holds.