De exercitie met schild en spies: de soldaat brengt in drie tijden de spies in positie, derde beweging met de spies recht vooruit (nr. 9), 1618 1616 - 1618

Adam van Breen etched this print of a soldier in 1618, demonstrating the use of a shield and spear. Note the spear held directly forward, a symbol of readiness, power, and an aggressive posture that has ancient roots. Consider the Bronze Age spear-bearers depicted in Minoan art, or even the Roman legionaries with their pila – the poised spear echoes through time. The gesture transcends mere martial technique; it embodies a primal assertion of dominance and a readiness to confront danger, seen in countless depictions of heroes and gods throughout history. The shield, too, isn't just protection; it's a canvas for identity. Shields throughout time, from antiquity to the Renaissance, are adorned with symbols of family crests, mythical beasts, and emblems of power, working on our collective psyche as talismans. This martial display isn't just about combat; it's a theatrical, symbolic act, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. This cyclical performance of aggression and protection persists, echoing in modern military parades and the charged imagery of contemporary conflict.