A soldier sliding his right hand along the training-pike, from the Lansquenets series, plate 22, in Wapenhandelinghe van Roers Musquetten Ende Spiessen (The Exercise of Arms) 1575 - 1629

This etching by Jacques de Gheyn II, part of his series "Wapenhandelinghe van Roers Musquetten Ende Spiessen" (The Exercise of Arms) depicts a soldier in elaborate armor performing a training exercise with a pike. The detail of the soldier’s armor, from the helmet to the leg guards, is meticulously rendered, as is the pike itself. The soldier’s pose suggests the meticulousness and importance of the training regimen, which was vital for maintaining military prowess during this period. The print was part of a series showcasing various combat techniques, offering an invaluable glimpse into the military practices of the time.