Soldaat met geweer naar links 1708 - 1717

Dirk Maas created this etching, titled 'Soldaat met geweer naar links', which translates to 'Soldier with a rifle to the left', in the late 17th century. During this period, the Dutch Republic was a major military power, frequently at war. This image captures a soldier in a dynamic, active pose, kneeling with his rifle aimed. Maas's choice to depict a soldier, rather than a celebrated general, is a testament to the everyday realities of military life for many Dutch men. Consider the identity of this soldier. He is equipped with both a rifle and a sword, suggesting a figure caught between traditional combat and the emerging technology of firearms. How might his class or background influence his experience of war? The print offers an intimate, ground-level perspective on the military, highlighting the human element within larger conflicts. It serves as a reminder of the personal stories woven into the fabric of history.