Romeins soldaat in harnas, te paard 1598

This woodcut of a Roman soldier on horseback was created by Christoph Krieger. The image comes from a time when Europe’s self-image was deeply entwined with the legacy of the Roman Empire. We see the soldier in full armor, spear raised, shield emblazoned - a figure of power and martial prowess. This image taps into the visual language of dominance, reminding us that throughout history, military strength has often been equated with cultural superiority. The detailed rendering of the soldier's armor and the horse’s musculature might evoke admiration. But I encourage you to consider, too, the narratives of conquest and subjugation such images supported. How does this idealized representation of a soldier obscure the realities of war and its impact on diverse populations? And what does it mean to resurrect such images today?