An antique figurine of a 17th century soldier with a halberd and a sword - engraving

A 17th-century figure of a soldier with a halberd and sword, an engraving by Jacob de Gheyn, representing an important example of late Mannerist printmaking. De Gheyn, one of the most influential engravers of his time, dedicated much of his career to depicting military themes, which were particularly relevant in 17th-century Europe, marked by conflicts and wars.

The engraving is part of the work “Wapenhandelinghe van Roers, Musquetten ende Spiessen,” a manual that not only contains instructions on the use of weapons but also serves as a historical document providing insights into the customs and life of soldiers of that era. The engravings in the volume illustrate a wide range of military figures, with particular attention to details of uniforms and weapons, reflecting the tactical and military evolution following the Union of Utrecht in 1579.

The central figure of the work, a soldier with a halberd, symbolizes not only authority and nobility but also the era in which innovative combat strategies and infantry organization, promoted by figures such as Maurice of Nassau, transformed the battlefield landscape in Europe.

Preserved as an important element of military history and the evolution of weaponry techniques in the 17th century, Gheyn’s works have become highly sought-after collectibles for historians, collectors, and art enthusiasts. The fact that they are available in large numbers and cover diverse themes allows for an exploration of various aspects of military life of that period, making each engraving a small historical treasure.

The sheet measures mm. 355 x 230, printed on Varta paper with a watermark, in good condition, housed in an ivory-colored cardboard box.

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