The second movement for bringing the pike on to the shoulder and holding it horizontally, from the Lansquenet series, plate 9, in Wapenhandelinghe van Roers Musquetten Ende Spiessen (The Exercise of Arms) 1575 - 1629

Editor: So, this is Jacques de Gheyn II’s engraving, "The second movement for bringing the pike on to the shoulder and holding it horizontally." It’s part of his Lansquenet series and dates back to sometime between 1575 and 1629. What strikes me is the stark precision, almost like a freeze-frame from a military manual. How would you interpret this work? Curator: Ah, yes. De Gheyn… he’s all about capturing a *moment*, isn't he? Forget grand battles; here we have the granular detail of instruction. I like to think of it less as a history painting and more a…ballet of brutal practicality. He wants you to see the tension in the pose, the way the light glints off the armor… notice that feathered helmet? Is that *really* functional or just pure flamboyant machismo? It kind of makes me laugh, the pomposity of it all! Editor: That's a good point! All that armor for… this one specific movement? It almost feels a bit performative. Is he trying to show us something about the changing role of the military at that time? Curator: Precisely! Military drills were becoming increasingly formalized and standardized. These engravings weren't just for soldiers, I imagine, but also for the gentry wanting to stay current, or just to appreciate the…*aesthetics* of power. You know, I see it as a Renaissance Instagram post! Editor: A Renaissance Instagram post… I like that a lot! It's strange to think about these historical depictions through the lens of our contemporary culture. I'll certainly have a new perspective on these prints now. Curator: Indeed, it's not just about the soldier, it's the performance, the ideal… It’s all very "strike a pose, there’s nothing to it!" Thanks for bringing this to my attention.