De exercitie met schild en spies: de soldaat in een verdedigende houding met een voet naar voren en met zijn rapier en schild op de knie voor het lichaam (nr. 21), 1618 1616 - 1618

This detailed etching by Adam van Breen, created between 1616 and 1618, showcases a soldier in a defensive posture, exemplifying the intricacies of 17th-century fencing techniques. The soldier, clad in armor and holding a rapier and shield, demonstrates a specific maneuver, highlighting the emphasis on precision and strategy in combat. Van Breen’s meticulous detail in the soldier’s attire, weapons, and stance underscores the importance of such visual guides for military training in the era. The work, titled "De exercitie met schild en spies," is one of a series by the artist dedicated to depicting various fencing positions. The etching exemplifies a growing interest in the dissemination of military knowledge through visual aids, a practice prevalent in the 17th century.