A horseman in center, walking towards the right, a horseman and a footsoldier in the background, seen from behind, from 'Various cavalry exercises' (Diverses exercices de cavalerie) 1642 - 1645

Stefano della Bella made this print of cavalry exercises sometime in the mid-17th century. It gives us a glimpse into the way military power was visually represented and understood in Baroque-era Europe. Della Bella, an Italian artist working in France, presents an idealized vision of the military. Note the elegant bearing of the horseman, his ornate dress, and the carefully controlled movements of his steed. This wasn't just about depicting soldiers; it was about projecting an image of authority, discipline, and grace, virtues that were closely associated with the ruling classes of the time. Military institutions were a key means of enforcing social order and projecting power, and art like this played a role in legitimizing that power. To fully understand this print, we need to delve into the social and political history of the period. By consulting military manuals, costume books, and other historical sources, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the image’s cultural significance.