Wachtlokaal met lezende, rokende en kaartspelende officieren 1748

Cornelis Troost made this watercolor of officers reading, smoking, and playing cards. Watercolors were a popular medium for social commentary in the 18th century, because their relatively quick application allowed artists to capture scenes of everyday life with immediacy. The thin washes of color create a sense of transparency, making the scene feel light and airy, despite the room being filled with men. The material also lent itself to easy reproduction in print form, which democratized the image. This is not the only evidence of mass production in the image. The officers' uniforms also speak to standardization. While the cut of their coats and hats suggest hand-tailoring, the similar colors and embellishments also tell of an increasing demand of mass-produced textiles, and the growth of European military power. The ease of making watercolors is contrasted by the labor and global trade required to produce the officers' garments and leisurely activities. The scene invites us to consider the relationship between art, labor, and social life during this period.