A Swiss Foot Soldier 1504 - 1530

Niklaus Manuel Deutsch's "A Swiss Foot Soldier," a woodcut from 1504–30, depicts a Swiss soldier standing with a pike in his hand. The soldier is clad in elaborate clothing that highlights the fashion of the era. The detailed rendering of the figure's anatomy and the intricate patterns on the soldier's clothing reflect the artistic skills of the Swiss master. This work, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, offers a glimpse into the military life and dress of the 16th century.