Illustratie voor 'Den Arbeid van Mars' van Allain Manesson Mallet 1672

This is a print made by Romeyn de Hooghe as an illustration for Allain Manesson Mallet's book 'Den Arbeid van Mars.' Here, the fortress looms, a stark symbol of military might in the 17th century, yet it echoes ancient fortifications, harking back to the Roman castra. The soldiers, with their rigid stance and weaponry, carry forward the legacy of Mars, the god of war. This motif is not unique; it is a recurring figure throughout the epochs, with its roots in the classical world, often depicted with the same attributes: helmet, sword, and shield. These symbols evoke a visceral response, stirring primal instincts of defense and aggression that lie deep within our collective memory. This image, like countless others, perpetuates the cycle of conflict, tapping into a potent psychological force. It is a reminder that these symbols are not static, but fluid, ever-evolving in their meaning, yet always rooted in our shared human experience.