Plate 1: the departure of the armies 1635 - 1660

Jacques Courtois created this etching, titled "Plate 1: the departure of the armies," sometime in the mid-17th century. As a painter who specialized in battle scenes, Courtois, also known as "Le Bourguignon," lived and worked in turbulent times. He witnessed first-hand the horrors of the Thirty Years' War, and his art reflects the violence and social upheaval of the period. The print illustrates the start of a military campaign, capturing the movement of soldiers and horses as they march off to war. The riders, most likely men, are on horseback, with weapons in hand, ready for combat. The print provides a glimpse into the lives of soldiers and the experience of war in the 17th century. The expressions on their faces are hidden, yet the image communicates the emotional toll that warfare takes on individuals and communities. It presents traditional notions of masculinity associated with warfare. This work reflects not only the historical context of the 17th century but also the personal experiences and artistic vision of Jacques Courtois.