De exercitie met schild en spies: de soldaat brengt in drie tijden de spies weer terug in de rustpositie, eerste beweging (nr. 10), 1618 1616 - 1618

Adam van Breen created this etching in 1618 depicting a soldier's exercise with shield and spear. It’s a moment frozen in time from the early 17th century when the Dutch Republic was asserting itself on the world stage. The image is more than just a demonstration of military drills; it speaks to a society in transition. The soldier, clad in armor, is caught between tradition and modernity, reflecting the changing nature of warfare and societal roles. Who was allowed to bear arms? Who was conscripted? And what did military service mean for one's identity? The print emphasizes precision, control, and discipline, yet the soldier is rendered as an individual, complete with a rather dashing mustache. This artwork is a study in masculinity and duty during a period of intense political and social change, encapsulating a moment where personal identity intersects with collective ambition.