De exercitie met de targe en rapier: de soldaat in rust met de targe op de rug (nr. 1), 1618 1616 - 1618

Curator: This is “De exercitie met de targe en rapier: de soldaat in rust met de targe op de rug (nr. 1),” an etching by Adam van Breen, created sometime between 1616 and 1618. Editor: It’s interesting how much detail he puts into the armour, it suggests craftsmanship was greatly admired at this time. Yet it’s still such a stark and oddly formal image. Curator: Well, the rapier and target – that small shield – were actually quite potent symbols of honor and status during this period. It shows someone prepared and able to defend themselves and their family. The rather peculiar stance and direct gaze intensify that sentiment. Editor: Do you think there's any specific symbolism implied with the clothing materials or lack of a visible sword in this case? Does that affect what we associate the person's values with, particularly since he isn’t depicted with it on hand? Curator: Van Breen uses etching, which itself speaks to the societal shifts of the time, moving from singular artworks to reproducible images available to a broader audience. Remember that printmaking democratizes image consumption and its ability to shape public consciousness during wars of religion. Editor: True, considering the accessibility of prints, I can definitely imagine soldiers emulating a sense of fashion or carrying the same cultural aspirations that these characters seem to possess. There seems to be this emphasis on appearance too – a lot of intricate lines to emphasize material—do you feel like this emphasis diminishes a specific connection with more prominent forms of military power, such as war elephants? Curator: Interesting point! Instead, perhaps it links more to concepts of masculine pride, maybe as much as prowess in battle, because by focusing so precisely on accoutrements Van Breen is making a product ready for consumption in the growing print market. This image has almost the same function as fashion photography. Editor: I think I agree, since there are similar images that evoke the sense of longing and appeal, as if the prints allowed for accessible dreams and status in ways previously restricted by location or wealth. What a subtle, fascinating snapshot of a shifting world, through armor and ink. Curator: A view into the way a material’s value could shift with broader appeal, indeed.