Soldaten 1878

‘Soldaten’, made by De Ruyter & Meijer, presents a colorful depiction of soldiers, likely dating back to the late 19th century. The image seems to function as an illustrated catalog. We can see a variety of military uniforms, arranged in neat rows, and grouped by rank or function, potentially for the purposes of military recruitment. This print reflects the increasing bureaucratization of warfare and the growth of national armies, with the need for standardized uniforms and equipment. The artists of this image appear to be adopting a neutral attitude towards their subject matter, simply recording the various outfits without passing any judgment. Nevertheless, the image tells us a lot about the social and political context in which it was made. Historians can use sources such as military archives, fashion history, and sociological studies of military culture to more fully understand the history surrounding this artwork and similar images. Art such as this one serves as a window into social and institutional histories.