De exercitie met schild en spies: de soldaat steekt zijn rapier terug in de schede (nr. 24), 1618 1616 - 1618

Adam van Breen created this print, 'The Exercise with Shield and Spear', in 1618 using etching and engraving techniques. Consider how the linear precision of the engraving mirrors the regimented movements of the soldier, his pose caught between action and repose. The controlled, repetitive strokes used to depict the armor and fabric of the soldier's attire reflect the labor and discipline inherent in both the artistic process and military training. Notice the intricate detailing on the soldier’s garb, achieved through careful cross-hatching and fine lines. The print’s sharp, clean lines mimic the sharp edges of the sword and the rigid structure of the shield, emphasizing the tools of war and the precision required in their use. The print medium itself, with its capacity for reproducibility, speaks to the standardization and dissemination of military knowledge in a time of evolving warfare. Van Breen's work underscores how artistic techniques and materials intertwine with social practices, revealing the cultural values attached to skill, labor, and the machinery of war.