Soldaten bij een stadspoort 1751

Hyacinth de La Pegna created this print, “Soldiers at a City Gate,” using etching. Born in Brussels, La Pegna spent much of his career in Italy. His image of soldiers passing through a ruined Roman arch reflects the 18th century fascination with classical antiquity. Yet, it also acknowledges the temporality of empires and the transience of power. The arch, once a symbol of Roman triumph, is now decaying, overgrown with plants. This juxtaposition of military figures against a backdrop of historical decline subtly critiques contemporary militarism. The soldiers, with their muskets and weary expressions, seem less heroic than burdened. Their presence hints at the social realities of the time, where military service often meant hardship for ordinary people. La Pegna's etching invites us to consider the complex relationship between power, history, and the lives of those caught in its currents. It's a reminder that even the grandest structures eventually crumble, leaving behind stories of everyday lives.