De exercitie met schild en spies: de soldaat in een verdedigende houding met een voet naar voren en met zijn rapier en schild op de knie voor het lichaam, gezien van voren (nr. 22), 1618 1616 - 1618

Curator: Look at this fantastic engraving from around 1618, "De exercitie met schild en spies," which translates to "The Exercise with Shield and Spear," by Adam van Breen. He really captures a Renaissance soldier in action. Editor: Oh, wow, he’s mostly shield! All I see is a gleaming, patterned disc. Makes me wonder, what’s he hiding? Or deflecting? Fear, maybe? Curator: The shield is such a powerful emblem in many cultures—the idea of protection, yes, but also defiance, even identity. That swirling golden pattern, almost floral, isn't just decorative. It's a statement. This drawing might depict part of military manual with suggested defense strategies using particular equipment. Editor: It’s an odd stance, too—one foot forward, as if he’s about to spring. But he’s also crouched, with that enormous shield grounded. A real study in opposing forces! The colored pencil style looks really modern. Curator: Indeed. And in iconographic traditions, the shield itself speaks volumes. Consider the Gorgon's head on Athena's shield, representing wisdom and protection or a simple family crest displaying identity and strength. Here, that shield might be warding off something more insidious. Remember, this era saw enormous cultural and religious upheaval. What better emblem for that chaos than a man hiding behind embellished metal? Editor: I find that his pose strikes me as a bit theatrical – a dramatic stance of preparedeness more so than one of impending doom. Curator: A theatrical reading isn't completely off. The Dutch Republic during Van Breen’s life saw an explosion of portraiture and self-representation. Perhaps the "exercise" here isn't merely physical, but also one of projecting power and confidence during uncertain times. I suspect this artist knew very well how to construct a captivating image of martial readiness that goes beyond practical soldiering. Editor: I think you're absolutely right! Perhaps, even, to question whether it is not all a performance. I'll never look at a shield the same way again. Curator: Nor I, perhaps. To look so closely at the object as a symbol or performance will stay with me, too. Thanks for that.