Soldiers Fighting over Booty in a Barn 1634

Willem Duyster made this painting of soldiers in a barn using oil paint, a medium that had been refined over centuries. Here, Duyster isn't just showing us a scene; he's giving us insight into the material world of 17th-century military life. Look at how he renders the textures of the fabrics strewn across the table – silks and woolens, all likely plundered. Consider the making of the clothing itself. The tailoring of the jackets and breeches would have been a skilled trade, and the textiles may have originated from far-flung locations. The swords and guns, too, speak of human labor. Each weapon was forged and assembled by hand, representing countless hours of work by specialized artisans. All of this looted merchandise carries social significance; in times of war, the spoils become a currency of power and control. Duyster’s painting makes us think about all of the labor involved in even the most chaotic scenes.