De exercitie met schild en spies: de soldaat brengt in drie tijden de spies in positie, eerste beweging (nr. 7), 1618 1616 - 1618

Adam van Breen created this engraving in 1618, part of a series illustrating military exercises with a shield and spear. Produced in the Netherlands, this image offers a glimpse into the militaristic culture of the time. The Dutch Republic was then engaged in the Eighty Years' War against Spain, a struggle for independence with profound social and economic implications. The detailed depiction of the soldier's posture, armour, and weaponry reflects the importance of military precision and readiness in this period. The print was likely part of a training manual. The image's visual codes also speak to the growing sense of national identity and civic duty. It underscores the role of the citizen-soldier in defending the burgeoning republic. Art historians examine such images alongside military treatises, political pamphlets, and other historical documents. These resources help us to understand the complex interplay between art, politics, and society in the early modern period.