Krijgsman 1825 - 1883

Theodoor Schaepkens created this etching of a soldier during the 19th century in the Netherlands. Schaepkens lived through a time of significant political upheaval in Europe. The rise of nationalism, coupled with social and economic changes, shaped the cultural landscape in which he worked. This image of a soldier in armor, framed by a flamboyant ruff and hat, evokes the Dutch Golden Age, a time of prosperity and artistic innovation. Yet, the somewhat romanticized depiction of military figures also reflects the 19th-century fascination with historical glory and national identity. This wasn't just about accurately portraying the past, but about creating a narrative that instilled pride and a sense of continuity. Schaepkens seems to be asking: what does it mean to be a nation, and how do we define ourselves through the stories we tell about our history?