De exercitie met de targe en rapier: de soldaat houdt de targe voor de borst en de getrokken rapier tegen de linkerschouder (nr. 6), 1618 1616 - 1618

This engraving, "De exercitie met de targe en rapier," was made in 1618 by Adam van Breen. Notice how the ornamental shield, or "targe," dominates the composition, obscuring much of the soldier’s figure, save for his blue breeches and the rapier extending above his shoulder. The image plays with the themes of protection and display. The targe, with its elaborate gold filigree, is presented not just as a piece of military equipment but as a work of art. This fusion disrupts the clear categories of war and aesthetics, suggesting a culture where military readiness and artistic expression are intertwined. Consider how the soldier's posture—shield forward, rapier ready—creates a visual tension, underscoring a balance between defense and aggression. This careful orchestration of form and figure allows the artwork to function as a complex cultural document, reflecting the values and tensions inherent in early 17th-century society.