Josef de la Hera in gevecht met een Franse soldaat 1808 - 1814

Juan Galvez created this print, titled "Josef de la Hera in gevecht met een Franse soldaat," sometime between the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It depicts an elderly carpenter named Josef de la Hera battling a French soldier amidst the ruins of what was then known as Zaragossa. Galvez's work captures a moment of intense conflict, reflecting the broader historical context of war and resistance. Here, the figure of Josef embodies the spirit of ordinary citizens rising up against foreign occupation. The print offers a narrative about heroism, resilience, and resistance against oppression during times of war. Galvez, through his dramatic composition, transforms Josef into a symbol of defiance. The print highlights the emotional dimensions of resistance: bravery, fear, and the will to defend one's home and community. The fallen figures in the background remind us of the personal losses that are a part of war. Galvez challenges traditional representations of warfare by focusing on the experiences of an ordinary man, turning the personal into the political.