Oefeningen van het bataljon, ca. 1799 1799 - 1803

Hendrik van der Poth created "Oefeningen van het bataljon" around 1799, presenting what seems to be a drill manual for a battalion. At the close of the 18th century, Europe was in turmoil. As the Dutch Republic teetered under political instability and external pressures from revolutionary France, military preparedness became crucial. Van der Poth’s diagrammatic exercise offers a glimpse into the regimented world of military training, yet, these formations were often sites where individuals from diverse social strata were forged into a collective, and the impact of such drills extended far beyond the battlefield. What does it mean to be trained, moved, and positioned, according to a strategic plan, in a time of social upheaval? How did it feel to be a body, moving as a unit? This drawing not only illustrates military tactics but also serves as a stark reminder of the human beings who were part of these exercises. The precision of the lines underscores the period’s emphasis on order, discipline, and control, as these ideals shaped not only the military but also broader societal structures.