A Soldier on Duty 1630 - 1676

This engraving, "A Soldier on Duty," was made by Abraham Bosse, sometime in the mid-17th century. Notice how Bosse employs the technique of linear perspective to craft a scene that invites us into the soldier's world. The soldier’s figure dominates the composition, positioned as a kind of bridge between the detailed foreground and the expansive background. His elaborate attire and weaponry are rendered with a meticulous attention to detail, showcasing the textures and patterns of the fabric, feathers, and metal. Bosse is also attentive to the way light falls across the scene, creating areas of contrast. The interplay of shadow and light accentuates the three-dimensionality of the forms. Structurally, the city in the distance serves as a counterpoint to the soldier. The artwork offers a commentary on the role of the military in society, and the tension between individual identity and civic duty.