De exercitie met schild en spies: de soldaat brengt in drie tijden de spies in positie, derde beweging met de spies recht vooruit (nr. 9), 1618 1616 - 1618

Editor: So, this is "De exercitie met schild en spies," from around 1618 by Adam van Breen. It's an engraving, and I'm struck by the precision of the lines; it feels very technical and…almost like a manual page. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It’s interesting you pick up on that feeling of a manual. Prints like this were crucial in disseminating military knowledge. Remember, this is the early 17th century – the Dutch Republic was fighting for its independence. Images like this served a practical purpose, standardizing military drills. But consider also who commissioned and consumed these prints. Editor: So, beyond soldiers? Wealthy merchants perhaps? Curator: Precisely. These prints reinforced ideas of civic virtue, patriotism, and the defense of their new republic. These images performed a didactic and propagandistic function. How does that perspective change your view of the soldier's stiff pose? Editor: It's less about individual heroism, and more about disciplined action, right? Contributing to a greater cause. And being depicted as competent makes the patron feel powerful and ready for whatever lies ahead. Curator: Exactly. The ‘correct’ image had its purpose. Even details like his uniform and shield were visual signifiers linked to Dutch identity and defiance. Consider the public role of such a print - hung in a home, or presented as a gift, continuously signaling this set of cultural values. Editor: I hadn’t thought of it that way. It’s fascinating to consider how a simple image can be loaded with political and social meaning beyond its surface. Curator: Indeed. This was very illuminating for me also.