Soldier with Hands Resting on an Upside Down War Hammer 1656 - 1658

Editor: This is Salvator Rosa’s "Soldier with Hands Resting on an Upside Down War Hammer," etched sometime in the 17th century. He seems…defeated, somehow. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a powerful statement on the futility of war. Rosa, living through turbulent times, uses the soldier’s dejected pose and inverted weapon to critique militarism. Consider how the turban and classical drapery place him outside a specific conflict, suggesting a universal experience of exhaustion and disillusionment. Editor: So, you’re saying it’s not just about one battle, but all of them? Curator: Precisely. It invites us to question the narratives of heroism often associated with war and to consider its human cost, regardless of era or culture. It’s a powerful anti-war statement, wouldn't you agree? Editor: I do. Seeing it that way really changes my perspective. It's less about defeat, more about resistance. Curator: Exactly. Rosa subtly challenges the glorification of violence by focusing on the individual's weariness. A poignant reminder even today.