Five German Soldiers 1520 - 1536

Daniel Hopfer created this etching titled "Five German Soldiers" sometime between the late 15th and early 16th century. Hopfer was a German artist known for his work in etching, a relatively new printmaking technique at the time. This image presents us with elaborately dressed figures who seem to be more for show than for battle. The artist may have been commenting on the social structures of his time, specifically the role of the military and the culture of display among the upper classes in Germany. The image perhaps critiques the institutions of art. Is it a celebration of military power, or a subtle commentary on the pageantry of war? As historians, we might turn to costume books and military history texts to better understand the uniforms and weaponry depicted. The meaning of this artwork is contingent on its social and institutional context.