De exercitie met schild en spies: de soldaat met de spies schuin in beide handen met de rechterhand bij het hoofd en het schild op de rug (nr. 3), 1618 1616 - 1618

This engraving by Adam van Breen from 1618 captures a soldier with shield and spear, poised in a practice drill. The spear, held taut and diagonally, is more than a weapon; it’s a symbol of readiness and martial prowess, deeply rooted in the visual language of power. Consider the lance in classical equestrian statues, or the scepter of rulers throughout the ages – these are all echoes of the same impulse: to project authority through a pointed, linear form. The shield, conversely, speaks to protection and defense. Yet, observe how the shield is placed on his back, suggesting a dance between offense and defense, pushing forward rather than retreating. This dichotomy reminds me of the complex interplay between aggression and security, a tension inherent in the human psyche and vividly expressed through these enduring motifs. This symbol is a powerful force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. Notice how the visual echoes of spear and shield, whether in ancient battle scenes or modern-day emblems, remind us that symbols never truly die; they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.