Twee staande romeinse soldaten, op de rug gezien 1586

Editor: Here we have a drawing from 1586 titled, "Twee staande romeinse soldaten, op de rug gezien," or "Two Standing Roman Soldiers, Seen From the Back." It's attributed to an anonymous artist and made with pencil. There's a humorous quality to it that strikes me. The figures are sturdy but also a little awkward. What stands out to you? Curator: It’s got this beautiful, almost off-the-cuff energy. What catches my eye isn't necessarily their "Roman-ness," but the suggestion of them preparing for... well, something less than glorious combat. Is that a bucket he's carrying? What kind of Roman army marches with cleaning supplies? It speaks to me of the everyday reality behind the grand narratives we build around history. Almost like a Renaissance version of military satire. Doesn't it feel oddly… contemporary? Editor: Contemporary? I hadn't considered that. More like poking fun, perhaps? Like a Monty Python sketch waiting to happen? Curator: Exactly! It is as though the artist whispers, "These aren’t heroes; they’re blokes with very sharp objects, probably dealing with some kind of awful mess." The drawing then is both a historical observation and a very human commentary on the absurdity of duty. What do you make of the fact we don't know who made it? Editor: That maybe adds another layer – a faceless observer of the human condition? Well, I certainly see it differently now. Thanks for shining a light on the mundane absurdities. Curator: And thank you for nudging me to consider the lasting appeal of historical side-eyes.