Officier van het Korps Mariniers 1835 - 1850

Albertus Verhoesen captured this officer of the Marine Corps with watercolor and pencil, immortalizing symbols of authority and identity. The officer’s uniform, adorned with a prominent star on the headwear, speaks volumes. Consider the star, a motif that stretches back through millennia—Babylonian gods were associated with stars, and the symbol has since been used on flags. Here, it distinguishes military rank, yet it also resonates with primal urges for guidance and celestial alignment. The gold epaulettes denote status, echoing ancient symbols of wealth and power that decorate rulers throughout history. The sword, a conventional symbol of power, also relates to the 'damocles sword' that hangs by a single hair, representing a constant awareness of impending peril, and reminding us of the heavy burden of leadership. These symbols tap into a deep well of cultural memory, triggering subconscious associations with protection and authority. Though the Marine Officer stands alone, the artist deftly conveys themes that engage us on a deeply emotional level.