Ruiterformaties (Ottava) 1667

"Ruiterformaties (Ottava)" (1667) is an etching by Jan van Ossenbeeck, depicting a cavalry formation in an octagon. The image showcases the precise arrangements and movements of mounted soldiers in 17th-century warfare, often used in tournaments or parades. Ossenbeeck's detailed rendering of the horses, riders, and their weaponry provides a glimpse into the tactics and visual spectacle of military formations during this period. The work exemplifies the Dutch Golden Age's interest in capturing the precision and order of military maneuvers.