This photograph of the Cadettenschool in Alkmaar, taken by C. van der Aa and J. Chrispijn, captures a moment of nation-building in progress. Constructed in 1893, this institution was designed to train future military leaders, solidifying the power structures of the time. The image is filled with men, who are engaged in the labour of constructing the school. It is impossible to ignore the gendered nature of this space, dedicated to the training of young men for service in defense of nation and empire. This photograph serves as a reminder of the powerful ideologies shaping the identities and roles of individuals. The image offers a glimpse into the tangible construction of a military institution and the more subtle construction of gender and national identity.