Legerplaats 1656 - 1703

Joseph Parrocel produced this print, Legerplaats, using etching, sometime between 1662 and 1704. It depicts a military encampment with soldiers and civilians engaged in various activities. Prints like these offer a glimpse into the social fabric of 17th and 18th century Europe, reflecting the era's political landscape, military conflicts, and shifting power dynamics. During this period, France was frequently at war. Louis XIV maintained a large standing army, which obviously had a major impact on French society. Parrocel was known for his military scenes, and prints like these give us insight into the everyday lives of those involved in military campaigns. Art historians use a range of primary source materials to understand such images – military records, personal letters, and other visual sources – to better understand the artist’s cultural context. By examining these sources, we gain insight into the social conditions that shape artistic production and the complex relationship between art and society.