De exercitie met schild en spies: de soldaat brengt het schild bij het marcheren van de rug vóór het lichaam (nr. 5), 1618 1616 - 1618

This engraving, made in 1618 by Adam van Breen, depicts a soldier with shield and spear. The shield, a protective emblem, has ancient roots, evoking the classical hoplites of Greece, whose shields were not just armor but symbols of communal defense. Consider the gesture of the soldier, his hand raised to his head. It echoes motifs found in depictions of introspection and mourning across cultures and eras, a gesture seen in classical sculptures and Renaissance paintings alike. This mirroring across time suggests a deep-seated psychological connection, a collective memory of vulnerability and reflection amidst conflict. The shield itself has reappeared throughout history, evolving into heraldic symbols and national emblems. It reminds us how symbols transform, carrying echoes of the past while adapting to new cultural landscapes. The visual language speaks to our shared human experiences of protection, conflict, and contemplation.