Soldaat op wacht die de pan van zijn musket met twee vingers bedekt tegen vonken, ca. 1645 1645 - 1647

This engraving of a soldier on guard, dating back to around 1645, was created by Petrus Rucholle. It’s made using a printmaking technique, likely etching or engraving, where lines are incised into a metal plate, then inked and pressed onto paper. The process creates a stark contrast between light and shadow, defining the form and texture of the soldier’s clothing, the details of his musket, and his focused expression. We can almost feel the weight of the gun, and the tension in his posture. The labor involved in creating this image reflects the artist’s skill in draftsmanship and the craft traditions of printmaking. The proliferation of printed images at this time speaks to a growing culture of information sharing and visual communication, but it’s also tied to military culture. It’s a reminder of the labor and social structures that supported both artistic production and military power in the 17th century.