Plate 2: a soldier seated to left beneath an archway, another lying on the ground to right alongside military equipment, from 'Troops, cannons, and attacks on towns' (Dessins de quelques conduites de troupes, canons, et ataques de villes) 1635 - 1645

"Plate 2: a soldier seated to left beneath an archway, another lying on the ground to right alongside military equipment, from 'Troops, cannons, and attacks on towns'" was etched by Stefano della Bella in the 17th century. Stefano della Bella lived in Florence during a period of intense social stratification and conflict. This etching invites us to consider the lives of soldiers, often rendered invisible in grand narratives of war and conquest. Here, we find a quiet moment amidst the chaos of military life. One soldier sits wearily, while another lies prone on the ground. Consider the vulnerability of these figures. Della Bella subtly critiques the glorification of warfare by highlighting its human cost. The discarded equipment and weary postures speak volumes about the physical and emotional toll of conflict. By focusing on these intimate, human details, Della Bella encourages us to reflect on the experiences of those who are often reduced to mere instruments of war.