Bas-reliëf met soldaten bij een beeld van Hercules 1636 - 1647

This etching by Gabriel Ladame dating back to the 17th century, presents a bas-relief featuring soldiers near a statue of Hercules. Ladame, working during a period of significant social stratification, here engages with classical themes of power and masculinity. The soldiers, stoic and armed, are positioned alongside a statue of Hercules, a symbol of strength and heroic virtue. The presence of a child among these figures introduces a layer of complexity. Is this a commentary on the inheritance of power, or perhaps a reflection on the vulnerability inherent in even the most dominant figures? This artwork seems to perpetuate traditional ideals of masculine power and military might. However, the artist's choices in composition and detail invite us to consider the human cost of such ideals, and their impact on different members of society. Ladame prompts us to think about the stories we tell about ourselves, and how these narratives shape our understanding of identity, power, and belonging.