Fourier der Haagsche Vrijwillige Artill: opgerigt door den Baron van Westreenen van Tiellandt - Johannes Paulus Houtman

A detailed military illustration by Johannes Paulus Houtman depicting a quartermaster of the Hague Volunteer Artillery in his formal uniform.

This military illustration by Johannes Paulus Houtman depicts a fourier, or quartermaster, of the Hague Volunteer Artillery. The unit was established by Baron van Westreenen van Tiellandt, a figure of note in nineteenth-century Dutch society. The subject stands in a formal pose, wearing a dark uniform accented with red piping and epaulettes, topped with a shako featuring a plume and insignia. He holds a scroll in his right hand, while his left hand rests near the hilt of his sword.

Houtman, a Dutch artist known for his documentation of military uniforms and personnel, employs a precise, clean line quality typical of mid-nineteenth-century uniform studies. The figure is set against a plain background, grounded only by a small, sketch-like patch of earth beneath his boots. This focus on the individual soldier serves as a record of the specific regimental attire and equipment used by the volunteer artillery corps during this period. The handwritten inscription at the base of the print identifies the rank and the unit, providing clear historical context for the viewer.

The colour palette is restrained, relying on the contrast between the dark blue of the uniform and the bright red details. The work is characteristic of the period's interest in categorising and preserving the visual identity of various military branches. It offers a glimpse into the formalised aesthetic of Dutch volunteer forces, capturing both the functional aspects of the uniform and the disciplined posture expected of the rank. This print is a valuable resource for those interested in the history of military dress and the specific organisational structures of the Hague Volunteer Artillery in the nineteenth century.