De exercitie met schild en spies: vijf soldaten staande naast elkaar in het gelid met de spies in de rechterhand rustend op de grond en het schild voor de borst (nr. 31), 1618 1616 - 1618

This etching, "De exercitie met schild en spies," was created in 1618 by Adam van Breen. Immediately striking is the linear arrangement of five soldiers, each a near-identical copy of the next, creating a rhythmic visual cadence. Van Breen's composition emphasizes uniformity and order, achieved through the repetition of form and careful alignment. The soldiers’ shields, with their ornate, swirling patterns, provide a visual counterpoint to the rigid lines of their spears and the verticality of their stance. This contrast is interesting. While the spears suggest forward movement, the shields, emblazoned with circular designs that recall eyes, confront the viewer, creating a tension between offense and defense. The piece engages with early modern concerns around military discipline and collective identity. The repetitive nature of the figures not only reflects the standardization of military units, but also raises questions about individuality and the role of the soldier within a larger structure. The soldiers become signs within a codified system, where each element—spear, shield, uniform—contributes to a larger narrative of power, control, and the theater of war.