Kweekeling bij 't groot rijks Hospitaal 1835 - 1850

Albertus Verhoesen made this print, titled "Kweekeling bij 't groot rijks Hospitaal", using an unspecified printing technique. The image depicts a cadet at the National Hospital, likely dating back to the 19th century in the Netherlands. The cadet's uniform—with its dark colors and formal cut—speaks to the rigid social structures and the emphasis on discipline during that time. The "Rijks Hospitaal" itself would have been a product of state efforts to standardize institutions and exert control over public life. The image creates meaning through these visual cues, referencing the historical associations with military service, national identity, and social order. Understanding this print requires us to dig into the archives, examining military records, institutional histories, and period publications. This would shed light on the role of the National Hospital and the experience of cadets. By exploring these resources, we can appreciate how this image reflects the social and institutional landscape of its time.