A soldier holding up his caliver in his right hand and extending his left to receive it, from the Marksmen series, plate 3, in Waffenhandlung von den Rören Musquetten undt Spiessen / Wapenhandelinghe van Roers Musquetten Ende Spiessen (The Exercise of Arms) 1608

This engraving by Jacques de Gheyn II, part of "The Exercise of Arms" series, offers a glimpse into early modern military culture. Created during a period of intense religious and political conflict in Europe, these images were instruction manuals. They were designed to train soldiers in the latest weaponry. Here, a soldier is depicted holding his weapon, a caliver, ready to receive the burning match. Note his confident posture and the detail of his attire, reflecting the intersection of military duty and personal identity. The series doesn't just show how to handle a weapon, it reflects the place of soldiers in society. Beyond the technical display, consider the role of the soldier. What kind of power is displayed by the work? How did these images shape perceptions of military service? This artwork invites us to consider the relationship between violence, identity, and the narratives that sustain them.