The Watcher at Our Borders by Alexander Ver Huell (1866)

This unique gouache, titled "The Watcher at Our Borders", was created by the Dutch artist Alexander Ver Huell in 1866. Previously known only in lithograph and woodcut formats, this gouache stands as a rare and striking example of Ver Huell’s work, which often explored the intersection of political and social themes.

In the artwork, a skeletal figure, symbolizing death, is depicted carrying a flag emblazoned with the word "Cholera". The figure stands in a desolate landscape with a village visible in the distance, invoking the sense of an imminent threat to the population.

The title and imagery allude to the cholera epidemic that swept through Europe during the 19th century. The accompanying text explains that cholera acts as a "savior" by keeping enemy armies, particularly the Prussians, away from the borders. During this period, both military conflicts—such as the Austro-Prussian War—and epidemics ravaged Europe. Ver Huell likely intended to highlight the ironic role of cholera as a deadly force that also protected the country by halting enemy advances.

This gouache offers a powerful reflection on the anxieties of the time, using the disease as a metaphor for both physical and existential threats. The juxtaposition of cholera as both protector and destroyer provides an important commentary on the fragility of life during this tumultuous period.