Horseman in center facing left speaking to a man on foot, infantry troops in a line in the background, from 'Various cavalry exercises' (Diverses exercices de cavalerie) 1642 - 1645

This etching, by Stefano della Bella, dating from the mid-17th century, presents a scene from ‘Various Cavalry Exercises.’ It captures not just military drills, but also the social hierarchies of the time. Made in France, this image reflects the era of Louis XIV, a period defined by the consolidation of royal power and the professionalization of the military. The print emphasizes the prestige and authority of the cavalry, a branch of the military traditionally associated with the aristocracy. The horseman, likely a nobleman, is depicted in conversation with an infantryman, visually underscoring the class divisions within the military structure. In the background, the infantry troops stand in formation, their regimentation symbolizing the increasing control of the state over its armed forces. To fully understand this work, we can delve into military manuals, court records, and even fashion plates of the period. These resources help us reveal how art both reflected and reinforced the social and institutional norms of its time.