Zwei stehende Krieger, auf ihre Lanzen gestützt, zwischen ihnen ein Hund 

Jost Amman made this drawing of two standing warriors with pen in blue and white ink, sometime in the late 16th century. This image presents an interesting study into military culture in the late Renaissance, during a period when the Holy Roman Empire was being ravaged by conflict. The garb of each soldier is distinct: note the contrast between the one on the left in his soft cap and doublet, and his counterpart encased in plate armour. This contrast might speak to the changing nature of warfare during the period, as well as the social status of each man. Produced in Nuremberg, this artwork is typical of Amman, who made his living producing designs for printmakers. His work captures the social structures of the period in the Holy Roman Empire, especially the period’s fascination with military might. By consulting social and military histories of the period, we can better understand the public role of art, and the politics of imagery, during this tumultuous period.