Soldier Seated on a Rock 1764

Matthias Pfenninger created this print, "Soldier Seated on a Rock" in 1764. It depicts a soldier resting, and the image's meaning arises from the culture of military service in 18th-century Europe. During this time, armies were becoming increasingly professionalized. Yet, the reality of military life was often harsh, especially for common soldiers. Pfenninger’s soldier, with his weary posture and simple garb, hints at these realities. The print captures a sense of the everyday experience of military life, rather than glorifying battle or conquest. The inscription on the rock, "Etudes des Soldats après Casterburg," suggests the print was part of a study or series, likely commissioned or intended for a specific audience interested in military subjects. The "Casterburg" reference might allude to a particular military event or location. Historians would look into military records and social histories of the period to understand the role and status of soldiers in 18th-century society and in Switzerland specifically. Through careful study, we reveal the print not just as an image, but as a window into the social conditions of its time.