Strijdende soldaten 18th century

Giovanni Volpato created this print depicting fighting soldiers in the 18th century. At its core, the image showcases conflict, but look closer and one sees how the artist used symbols to evoke deeper cultural memories. Note the dominance of the spear. This weapon, wielded by a soldier on horseback, is a primal symbol of power and dominance dating back millennia. Think of the Roman cavalry, or even earlier, the bronze-age warriors. The spear transcends mere weaponry, embodying the psychological impact of force and aggression. The motif of the horse rider also appears, a symbol of mastery and control. This archetype can be traced back through antiquity, to the equestrian statues of emperors, reminding us of humanity's long-standing fascination with power. Consider how these symbols resonate in our collective subconscious. Are we not, on some level, still captivated by this display of might?