Krijgsman met lans 

Giovanni Orlandi's etching, "Krijgsman met lans," now at the Rijksmuseum, presents a striking figure that invites reflection on power, identity, and representation. This work offers insight into the social and political climate of its time. Here, the lans-bearing soldier projects an ideal of masculinity shaped by military prowess, while the softness of the etching brings forth a sensitive depiction of his humanity. This tension between strength and vulnerability, typical of the early modern era, speaks to the complexities of the human condition amidst conflict. The artist’s choice to portray a soldier, his gaze directed off to the side, compels us to consider the narratives we construct around historical figures. Whose stories are told, and whose are left out? How do our interpretations of these figures evolve over time? Ultimately, the “Krijgsman met lans” is a poignant meditation on power, resilience, and the enduring quest for identity in the face of adversity.