Drie soldaten c. 1656 - 1657

Salvator Rosa's etching *Drie soldaten* (c. 1656-1657) depicts three soldiers in a dramatic scene, highlighting the artist's signature style of chiaroscuro and dramatic composition. The etching's composition is particularly striking, with a muscular soldier dominating the foreground, his body contorted as he leans back on a block, seemingly in mid-action. His pose is emphasized by the diagonal lines of his outstretched arm and the spear he wields, creating a sense of dynamism. Rosa's use of etching allows for detailed rendering of the soldiers' armor and the texture of the block, contributing to the realism and depth of the composition. The etching is a fine example of Rosa's ability to convey a sense of movement and drama in a small format. It is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.