Soldaten Possibly 1700 - 1865

This print, titled "Soldaten", by van der Haeghen, presents rows of soldiers, likely made with woodcut or engraving techniques. Prints like this were often produced using a matrix, like a woodblock, which allowed for multiple impressions to be made. The process involves carving a design into the surface, applying ink, and then pressing it onto paper. What’s interesting here is that this method of production democratized art, making images more accessible and affordable to a wider audience. It also speaks to the increasing bureaucratization of military endeavor: with the rise of mercenary armies, it became useful to classify types of soldier. Looking closely, you can see the fine lines that define the figures, achieved by the artist’s skillful carving. The uniformity of the soldiers may reflect the broader social and political structures of the time, and the value placed on order and discipline. Ultimately, it's not just a picture, but a window into the social and economic forces shaping early modern European society, and the ways in which art played a role in visualizing power.