De exercitie met de targe en rapier: de soldaat in rust met de targe op de rug (nr. 1), 1618 1616 - 1618

Curator: What a striking depiction! This drawing, executed in ink on paper, is entitled "De exercitie met de targe en rapier: de soldaat in rust met de targe op de rug (nr. 1)." It comes to us from the Dutch Golden Age, created by Adam van Breen sometime between 1616 and 1618. Editor: It does possess a certain… stillness, despite the subject matter. There is an interesting formal quality to this portrait: The chromatic values presented by the warm red of the pantaloon is juxtaposed by the relatively achromatic helmet and torso armour, drawing attention to the confident posture. Curator: Precisely! The way van Breen renders the play of light on the armor suggests a concern for capturing its texture and sheen. This level of detail elevates the image beyond mere representation; the materiality becomes a vital component. This drawing provides a small glimpse into the militaristic culture of the period. Notice that even “at rest” he is never unarmed; it alludes to the constant state of alert. Editor: Indeed, and it prompts me to ask what statement is the artist trying to express by situating an armed combatant in a posture and milieu of apparent tranquility? To a 17th century patron this scene must convey ideas concerning political ideology. It projects the power and sophistication associated with Baroque aesthetics but rooted within the specific history of the Netherlands. Curator: The portrayal of genre reinforces the idea that war wasn’t simply happening ‘over there,’ rather it also affected normal folk. The sword represents honor but can also be a metaphor for readiness in daily life. This notion also carries forth religious beliefs: the readiness for a metaphorical, spiritual, or even Armageddon-esque battle between good and evil. Editor: Well, the strategic positioning of the "targe op de rug" intrigues me; as well as its role within the drawing’s composition, one might infer the artist employed such methods to guide interpretation. After all, this is more than documentation. Van Breen creates semiotic conditions through which he conveys deeper narrative concepts relating to military campaigns. Curator: Thank you for those interesting insights! This piece provides us not just a look at how people prepared for defense in battle, but allows insight to deeper understandings concerning societal concerns of the time. Editor: It is indeed a wonderful composition, providing the structural tools through which viewers may examine themes dealing with combat, preparation, Baroque conventions, and, finally, contemplate broader cultural conditions.