Soldat med gevær 1629 - 1676

This is Johan le Ducq’s "Soldier with a Rifle.” Le Ducq, born in The Hague, was a Dutch Golden Age painter and soldier. The themes in le Ducq's paintings often involve military life, reflecting his own experiences as a soldier. The swaggering bravado of military figures suggested an exploration into masculine identity and power. The soldier, in his flamboyant dress, stands as a figure of authority, embodying a certain social status. It’s difficult to ignore the power dynamics inherent in military service. What does it mean to hold a weapon, to have control over life and death? How might such power affect one's identity? In a time of frequent conflict, soldiers like this were both admired and feared. Le Ducq’s intimate knowledge of military life allows us to consider the realities of warfare and its impact on those involved.